Jolyon Palmer thinks Lewis Hamilton wants to prove he’s ‘equal’ to Charles Leclerc at Ferrari

Follow us on Google Discover

Lewis Hamilton has turned a corner at Ferrari in 2026 as the new regulations have put him much closer to teammate Charles Leclerc.

The seven-time champion was dominated by his teammate in 2025, losing the intra-team battle 19-5 in qualifying and 18-3 in Grand Prix results. Hamilton struggled to adapt to Ferrari’s operation, but 2026 has seen a dramatic change.

Hamilton now has a ‘spring in his step’ in the F1 paddock as he is loving the new regulations. He has fought at the front with Leclerc and Mercedes in the opening two races, grabbing his first podium for Ferrari in China.

The 41-year-old looks comfortable within the team, having had more input for the SF-26 over the winter. Furthermore, Hamilton’s ‘amazing’ personnel changes, such as his race engineer, have reinvigorated him, and it could be bad news for his teammate.

Leclerc has been Ferrari’s golden talent since joining the team in 2019 and proved to be a step ahead of the Brit last year. However, with the new cars, Hamilton is finally ‘pushing’ Leclerc, according to team boss Fred Vasseur, as he looks to get on equal terms.

Jolyon Palmer thinks Lewis Hamilton wants to show Charles Leclerc that Ferrari are ‘not just your team’

Speaking via F1 Nation after the Chinese GP, Jolyon Palmer discussed the battle between the two Ferraris during the race. They fought brilliantly throughout as Hamilton eventually got the better of his teammate.

Leclerc loved the battle with Hamilton, but Palmer saw it as a sign that the Brit wants to be ‘equal’ with his teammate and take the fight to him in Maranello.

“I think that’s why the battle is so intense, isn’t it? Because Charles has been King Kong of Ferrari for quite a while now,” he said.

A maiden Grand Prix win for Kimi Antonelli, as well as a first podium appearance for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari! 🍾

What was your favourite moment of Antonelli's debut win?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

“And even if the fights have been close with some of his fights with Carlos back in the day and with Lewis, there was some techie radios and some battles last year, but it felt like Charles was the guy.

“And I think Lewis is basically saying: ‘No, I’m here and this is not just your team’. So he’s really trying to take the fight to Charles and trying to prove that he’s an equal to him.

“He’s always been good in China and he’s always been really quick in Melbourne. And Charles did say this has always been a bad track for him.”

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family

Jolyon Palmer sees Lewis Hamilton as ‘completely rejuvenated’ in 2026

Palmer and fellow host Tom Clarkson discussed Hamilton’s demeanour in the paddock in Shanghai. They noted the key difference from last year and how ‘completely rejuvenated’ he is.

“Lewis said afterwards that he’s back to his best both mentally and physically. You agree?” said Clarkson, to which Palmer replied: “Good to hear. He seems it. Yeah, I mean, he’s walking around with a smile all the time, isn’t he?

“I think my favourite thing about Lewis’ driving at the moment is how aggressive he is. He’s getting his elbows out and it feels like the Lewis of old.

“I think even taking the fight so hard to Charles, also George in the Sprint, and I think you’re doing that because you’re loving the racing.

“You want to just throw caution to the wind sometimes and overtake in the quirky spots and think: ‘OK, let’s give it a go.’ He’s really quick and it does feel like he’s just completely rejuvenated.”