Lewis Hamilton Sees Ferrari Strategy Chance Against Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari has an opportunity to challenge Mercedes at the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix after both Ferrari drivers secured strong grid positions during qualifying at the Red Bull Ring.

Hamilton qualified third behind pole-sitter George Russell and team-mate Charles Leclerc, giving Ferrari two cars near the front of the field despite lacking outright pace throughout Friday's practice sessions.

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion admitted Ferrari did not expect to fight for victory after trailing Mercedes by around six tenths earlier in the weekend. However, the Scuderia found significant performance overnight, reducing the gap to just over two tenths in qualifying.

Read AlsoHamilton Backed for Second Straight Austrian GP Win

"I think this weekend we've not been confident that we could fight for a win. These guys have been six tenths quicker than us most of the weekend. We closed the gap overnight by three tenths, but we're still around two or three tenths behind."

Hamilton believes the long run to Turn 3 on the opening lap could create overtaking opportunities and allow Ferrari to put strategic pressure on Mercedes during the race. Having Leclerc alongside him near the front also gives the team greater flexibility with race strategy.

"It's going to be very tough to challenge them, but with a long run down to Turn 3, hopefully together we can. It's great having Charles here as well, because we can hopefully work together in a strategy and try to apply pressure to them."