Hamilton Aims to Help Ferrari Secure Second in F1 Constructors Standings
Hamilton Shifts Focus to Ferrari's Battle for Second Place
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Lewis Hamilton has accepted that winning another Formula One drivers title this season is beyond reach. His new priority is to help Ferrari clinch second place in the constructors' championship, improving on last year's fourth-place finish and setting the stage for future progress.
With five races left in the 2026 season, including the upcoming Mexico Grand Prix, Hamilton trails behind both Mercedes drivers in the points standings. He holds 241 points, just one point shy of teammate George Russell. The championship leader, Kimi Antonelli, has almost secured the title with 365 points.
"Second place is not something I focus on. Winning the championship is the only thing I care about," Hamilton said on Thursday. Yet, his main concern now is ensuring Ferrari remains firmly in second place behind Mercedes.
After twelve years with Mercedes, where he earned six world championships, Hamilton joined Ferrari last year aiming to restore the team's legacy. Ferrari finished fourth in 2025.
"There's a good vibe and more energy this season," Hamilton added. "Last year wasn’t much fun for any of us. We’ve come a long way."
Ferrari currently leads second place by 119 points over Red Bull and McLaren. This advantage comes from strong results in recent races: Hamilton took third at the Bahrain Grand Prix, while teammate Charles Leclerc earned third place finishes in Singapore and the United States.
"In the Constructors Championship, both drivers have reached the podium over the last three races—between Charles and me, we’ve come a long way," Hamilton noted. "And this is just the beginning; there’s more to come."
Ferrari has a storied history with 16 world champion drivers and 15 Constructors Championships. Their last world champion was Kimi Räikkönen in 2007, and their last Constructors title dates back to 2008.
"My sole focus is making sure to secure second place in the Constructors Championship—the team deserves it," Hamilton said. "It’s a huge improvement over last year and something we can build on for next year."
Following the Mexico City Grand Prix, the 2026 calendar continues with races in Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
"After this weekend, I will use the races as a test for next year’s championship—looking at how we can improve the car," Hamilton explained. "That is my sole focus: ensuring we have the right brakes for next year and confirming that our engine outperforms the others."
