Jolyon Palmer says one Lewis Hamilton radio message in Canada shows his attitude has changed

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Jolyon Palmer loved Lewis Hamilton’s motivation to hunt down Max Verstappen during Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix.

Hamilton lost third place to Verstappen on lap nine, and when he later found the grass at the turn eight/nine chicane, it seemed as if the battle may be over.

Just before both drivers pitted under the virtual safety car caused by George Russell’s retirement, Hamilton was 5.2 seconds behind Verstappen, but he reeled him in on the medium tyres and got ahead on lap 62.

Jolyon Palmer: Lewis Hamilton was ‘enjoying himself’ during Canadian Grand Prix

Speaking on F1TV’s post-race show, Palmer underlined the significance of Hamilton’s P2 finish, his best result as a Ferrari driver. He welcomed the change in the Briton’s attitude and driving style.

Hamilton was clearly ‘enjoying himself’ behind the wheel, which hasn’t been the norm since he joined Ferrari at the start of 2025.

As he hunted down Verstappen, Hamilton told his team over the radio: “We can do this guys. Pushing!”

Hamilton had lost some momentum with consecutive sixth-place finishes in Japan and Miami after a positive start to the season, but his pace throughout the weekend here was hugely encouraging.

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“I think it’s really important for Lewis,” said Palmer. “He’s been driving so different to the Lewis that we’ve seen in the last year and even in the last couple of races.

“I just felt like, from the first practice, the attitude in the car was there to see. He was happy sliding it up to the wall really quickly. You could see he was enjoying himself.

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“When the radio came in and he said, ‘Come on, we can do this,’ you sort of thought, ‘There’s still a fight going on for second place.’ He hadn’t forgotten it and he could see Max coming and pulled off the move.”

Hamilton thinks he’s found a formula for lasting success at Ferrari after electing not to use the simulator in the build-up to the race. He prioritised training and rest, which may be why he arrived in Montreal feeling so energetic.