By Noah Ngcobo
After a difficult first season with Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton is finally showing why the Scuderia fought so hard to sign him.
Back-to-back podium finishes have lifted the seven-time world champion to second in the Drivers’ Championship and reignited belief that a first Ferrari victory is just around the corner.
While many questioned whether Hamilton’s best days were behind him, the Brit is beginning to answer those doubts on the track.
More importantly, he looks like a driver enjoying his racing again.
Hamilton proving he still belongs at the top
Hamilton’s second-place finish in Monaco followed another runner-up result in Canada, marking his strongest run since joining Ferrari.
The results have propelled him to second in the championship standings, something even Hamilton admits has surprised him.
“I can’t believe that I’m second in the championship and I’m really happy and thankful for that,” Hamilton said on Sky Sports post-race after the Monaco GP.
The 41-year-old has spent much of the last year dealing with criticism following a disappointing debut campaign with Ferrari.
Yet rather than fade away, Hamilton has responded with performances that remind the F1 world exactly who he is.
“I feel like I’m in a period where I’m having to remind people of who I am,” he admitted. “Now I’m having to show up each weekend and try to do that.”
His recent form suggests he is doing exactly that.
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Ferrari changes beginning to pay off
A major factor behind Hamilton’s resurgence has been Ferrari’s willingness to listen to him.
The Brit revealed that team principal Fred Vasseur implemented several changes that Hamilton had been requesting since arriving at the team.
“Last year was really tough for both of us and I’ve been begging him for certain changes,” Hamilton explained.
“He pulled through and did those, and now I’m seeing the fruits of that and I’m able to finally deliver for them.”
Hamilton was also full of praise for Vasseur’s support during a challenging period, describing the Ferrari boss as “awesome” throughout the process.
The improved relationship between driver and team is now translating into results.
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A first Ferrari win feels inevitable
Although Mercedes youngster Andrea Kimi Antonelli currently leads the championship, Hamilton remains determined to stay in the fight.
“He is doing a phenomenal job,” Hamilton said of the 19-year-old. “But I’m going to do my best to try and chase him down for the rest of the year.”
Most importantly, Hamilton believes Ferrari’s breakthrough moment is close.
“It couldn’t be closer,” he said when asked about his first Ferrari victory.
After months of questions about his future, Hamilton is once again answering them in the best way possible, by delivering on the track.
If his current trajectory continues, that long-awaited first Ferrari win may be a matter of when, not if.
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