Lewis Hamilton warned he needs a ‘miracle’ to beat ‘world champion material’ Charles Leclerc

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Lewis Hamilton has been told that he will need a ‘miracle’ to happen if he wants to get the better of Charles Leclerc. 

Hamilton, 41, moved to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season, a transfer that was described as a dream partnership between a seven-time world champion and a historic team.

However, the Brit’s debut season was a nightmare as he failed to adapt to his new surroundings, ending the season sixth and 86 points adrift of Leclerc.

In 2026, Leclerc remains the top Ferrari driver, but it is evident that Hamilton’s performances have improved, having secured his first podium for the Scuderia at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Can Ferrari still win an F1 title in 2026?

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Lewis Hamilton told he needs a ‘miracle’ to beat Charles Leclerc

Despite his improvements, Hamilton has been warned that he will need a ‘miracle’ to beat Leclerc, who has been labelled as ‘world champion material’.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Telegraaf Formule 1 podcast with journalist Erik van Haren, Dutch former racing driver Christijan Albers said Leclerc is ‘incredibly good’. 

Albers said: “Look at Charles Leclerc, I put on a platform like Max Verstappen, then I see Max just a little bit better than Leclerc. Leclerc is really also a serious world champion who has never had the material to become world champion. 

“But if you look at Leclerc, for example, who also didn’t go well in China, then suddenly we see a Hamilton who is in front.

“And if you now look at Hamilton, then we both know a miracle must actually happen if Hamilton wants to beat Leclerc.

“I don’t have much trouble with it, because even though Hamilton is a seven-time world champion. This is simply the new generation and Leclerc is simply the new generation at this moment.

“He is just incredibly good. And he is world championship material. Just like Verstappen. Only he doesn’t have the car yet.”

Ralf Schumacher believes Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso should retire at the end of 2026. Do you think he is being fair?

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READ MORE: F1 fans are all in agreement after Ralf Schumacher claimed Lewis Hamilton should retire in 2026

Lewis Hamilton to take ‘different approach’ ahead of Canadian Grand Prix

Later this month, the 2026 F1 season will continue in Montreal, Canada, where Hamilton secured his first-ever win in the sport back in 2007.

Ahead of what could be a crucial race for his season, Hamilton hinted at taking a new approach.

As reported by ESPN, Hamilton said: “I’m going to have a different approach in the next race because the way we’re preparing at the moment is not helping, and so we’ll see how that goes for the next race.

“I’m looking forward to it, but we need to see if we can cut some drag before the next race. Because on the straight line we’ve got that deficit, and so we’ve got to have a look into that.”