Lewis Hamilton confident about stronger second half of 2026 Formula 1 season

British driver Lewis Hamilton said the second half of the 2026 Formula 1 season will be stronger for him and Mercedes. After the first eleven races he sits second in the drivers’ standings with 169 points, nine points behind teammate George Russell and 50 points off leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Hamilton highlighted five podiums and a win in Spain, and noted the team is working on car upgrades that could close the three‑ to four‑tenths deficit on straight‑line power.

He praised Ferrari’s consistency, which has taken two victories so far, and acknowledged that the calendar may be reshaped if the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds are cancelled, potentially ending the season in Europe.

Hamilton expects the team’s continued development and collaborative effort to make Mercedes more competitive in the latter half of the year.