Two-time champion Emerson Fittipaldi says Lewis Hamilton has silenced the doubters who wrote him off after a rocky first season at Ferrari. Hamilton sits second in the championship at the 2026 midpoint, a stark reversal from last year when critics questioned whether he could match Charles Leclerc's pace. Fittipaldi credits the new regulations—smaller cars, less downforce—for playing to Hamilton's strengths. "It brings out more talent," the Brazilian told F1.com, pointing to Hamilton's car control and feel as the difference. The seven-time champion spent year one learning Ferrari's systems; year two is about execution. Fittipaldi hopes Hamilton takes the title fight deep, adding that Fred Vasseur's experience running A1GP teams prepared him well for managing the Maranello pressure cooker. If the second half mirrors the first, Hamilton's hunting for number eight, and Ferrari's hunting for its first drivers' title since 2007.
Read the full story at Motorsport.comLEWIS HAMILTON BACKED FOR FERRARI F1 CHAMPIONSHIP PUSH BY EMERSON FITTIPALDI
Two-time champion Emerson Fittipaldi says Lewis Hamilton has silenced the doubters who wrote him off after a rocky first season at Ferrari. Hamilton sits second in the championship at the 2026 midpoint, a stark reversal from last year when critics questioned whether he could match Charles Leclerc's pace. Fittipaldi credits the new regulations—smaller cars, less downforce—for playing to Hamilton's strengths. "It brings out more talent," the Brazilian told F1.com, pointing to Hamilton's car control and feel as the difference. The seven-time champion spent year one learning Ferrari's systems; year two is about execution. Fittipaldi hopes Hamilton takes the title fight deep, adding that Fred Vasseur's experience running A1GP teams prepared him well for managing the Maranello pressure cooker. If the second half mirrors the first, Hamilton's hunting for number eight, and Ferrari's hunting for its first drivers' title since 2007.
