Lewis Hamilton has openly conceded that his chances of winning the 2026 Formula One world championship are all but over after a turbulent Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The Ferrari driver could only manage sixth place, far behind race winner Kimi Antonelli, who delivered a stunning comeback from 19th on the grid.
Hamilton's frustration was compounded by a first-lap incident with teammate Charles Leclerc at the first chicane. Hamilton claimed he was forced off track by Leclerc's aggressive move, dropping him to 10th place. The incident has become a central point in the team's strategic review.
With a 76-point deficit to championship leader Antonelli, Hamilton believes Ferrari has failed to fully support his title bid. He stated that the decision to prioritize him has come too late, especially after team principal Fred Vasseur indicated the team would now consider backing the seven-time champion.
“From today, we've lost so much ground. It's far too late for those decisions to come,” Hamilton said. He added that all he can do is give his best in the remaining races, though Mercedes' strong pace makes the gap seem insurmountable.
Hamilton also criticized Ferrari's operational management, comparing it unfavorably to his time at Mercedes, where clear rules of engagement existed between drivers. “Here there are no rules. That's something that needs to change,” he asserted.
Leclerc failed to finish after a massive crash on lap two, though he emerged unhurt. Vasseur acknowledged the weekend's outcome was not ideal and said the team would hold internal discussions before the next round in Madrid.
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