Emerson Fittipaldi is impressed by Lewis Hamilton’s progress at Ferrari—the two-time world champion sees good reasons for his resurgence and his chance at the world championship
Emerson Fittipaldi believes Lewis Hamilton is back on track at Ferrari. The two-time Formula 1 world champion hopes that the seven-time champion can still contend for the world championship title in the second half of the 2026 season.
Hamilton is currently in his second season with Ferrari. After his difficult first year with the Scuderia, there were doubts as to whether the Briton could continue to compete at the highest level and regularly beat his teammate Charles Leclerc.
Fittipaldi now believes those doubts have been dispelled. After the first half of the 2026 season, Hamilton is in second place in the Drivers’ Championship and has thus significantly improved his standing within the team.
“I was so happy to see that Lewis and Ferrari are fast,” Fittipaldi told F1.com. “I remember last year. It happened to me in IndyCar and in Formula 1: As you get older, people start saying, ‘Well, he can’t drive anymore,’ and last year everyone was criticizing Lewis.”
Fittipaldi Praises Hamilton’s Car Control
Fittipaldi also attributes Hamilton’s progress to the characteristics of today’s Formula 1 cars. The 2026-season cars are smaller and have less downforce, which, in the Brazilian’s view, requires additional driving skills.
“The new car is something that isn’t talked about much. It’s smaller, has less downforce, and for me, that makes it harder to drive fast. It brings out more talent,” explains Fittipaldi.
“That’s one of the reasons why Lewis has improved: because of his car control, his feel for the car. He’s an extremely talented driver. He’s in his second year at Ferrari; he knows the engineers and the system.”
Hopes for a Title Battle with Mercedes
For the second half of the season, Fittipaldi hopes that Hamilton can keep the fight for the world championship alive until the end of the season. The Brazilian would particularly welcome a duel between Ferrari and Mercedes.
“I really hope Lewis is fighting for the championship,” says Fittipaldi. “It would be great to see Lewis and Ferrari step up their game to go head-to-head with Mercedes. I hope so. I have great respect for Fred Vasseur.”
Fittipaldi Has Great Respect for Vasseur
Fittipaldi has a special connection with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur. During his time as owner of A1 Team Brazil, Vasseur worked for the team with his ART Grand Prix racing team.
“When I owned A1 Team Brazil in the A1 Grand Prix, Fred and his ART Grand Prix racing team managed our team and did a great job. He’s a good guy, a top-notch guy. I think by now he knows the Italians well!” explains Fittipaldi.
The two-time world champion is therefore optimistic about the rest of the season and expects an exciting second half of the season for Ferrari and Hamilton.
