Hamilton’s Resurgence in Australia

MELBOURNE, Australia — For many years, Lewis Hamilton’s dominance in Formula 1 meant it was common to see him at the front of the pack.

No driver has led more laps than Hamilton, with his total of 5,486 laps far exceeding that of fellow seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher. However, during a difficult first season with Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton described his experience as a “rollercoaster” and a “nightmare,” managing to lead only two laps throughout the entire season.

In contrast, Hamilton has already exceeded that number after just one race in 2026, leading three laps during the Australian Grand Prix before finishing fourth, only 0.6 seconds behind teammate Charles Leclerc.

“It was a really, really fun race,” Hamilton mentioned post-race. “I had great pace, and with a few more laps, I could have passed Charles. There are lots of positives to take from it.”

Positivity was scarce for Hamilton throughout 2025. Following an initial high from winning a sprint race in China, he faced a challenging season, where he had no podium finishes. Although Ferrari’s car performance struggled, Hamilton could not match Leclerc’s speed either.

This season gives Hamilton a chance for a reset. The new, lighter cars suit his driving style better than the heavier models used from 2022-2025, during which he won only twice. In previous seasons from 2014-2021, he won at least eight races each year during his six championship titles.

Hamilton acknowledged a personal shift as well, revealing in a news conference that he took time to rediscover himself during the winter, admitting he had “kind of lost sight for a second of who [he] was.” With a new season promising fresh opportunities, it was essential for Ferrari to provide him with a competitive vehicle, and early signs in Australia were encouraging.