Lewis Hamilton Aims to Secure Ferrari’s Second Place in F1 Constructors’ Standings
MEXICO CITY — Lewis Hamilton accepts that winning another Formula One drivers' title this year is unlikely. Instead, he is focused on helping Ferrari clinch second place in the constructors’ championship, which would mark progress from last season and lay groundwork for future success.
With five races left in the 2026 calendar, including the Mexico Grand Prix this weekend, Hamilton trails both Mercedes drivers in points, holding 241, just one behind George Russell. Kimi Antonelli has nearly sealed the drivers' title with 365 points.
"Second place is not something I focus on. Winning the championship is the only thing I care about," Hamilton said on Thursday.
After twelve years with Mercedes—where he won six of his seven world championships—Hamilton moved to Ferrari last year, aiming to restore the team’s former glory. The team finished fourth in 2025.
"There’s a good vibe and more energy this season," Hamilton added. "Last year wasn’t much fun for any of us. We’ve come a long way." The team currently holds a 119-point lead over Red Bull and McLaren for second place, thanks to strong recent results. Hamilton finished third at Bahrain, while teammate Charles Leclerc placed third in Singapore and the United States.
"In the Constructors Championship, both drivers have reached the podium over the last three races—between Charles and me, we’ve come a long way. This is just the beginning; there’s more to come," Hamilton said.
Ferrari boasts 16 world champion drivers and 15 Constructors Championships but hasn’t had a world champion driver since Kimi Räikkönen in 2007 or won the Constructors title since 2008.
"My sole focus is making sure to secure second place in the Constructors Championship—the team deserves it," Hamilton said. "It’s a huge improvement over last year and something we can build on for next year."
After the Mexico City Grand Prix, the season continues in Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
"After this weekend, I will use the races as a test for next year’s championship—looking at how we can improve the car," Hamilton said. "That is my sole focus: ensuring we have the right brakes for next year and confirming that our engine outperforms the others."
