Ferrari Power Deficit Leaves Lewis Hamilton Powerless

Lewis Hamilton revealed the biggest limitation of the Ferrari SF-26 after the 2026 British F1 Sprint at Silverstone, with a power deficit proving decisive in his defeat to Kimi Antonelli.

Hamilton started the Sprint from pole position and appeared to control the early phase of the race. He kept Antonelli at arm's length as the leading pair pulled away from the rest of the field, but the picture changed once the Mercedes driver started to close the gap.

Antonelli then swept past Hamilton on the back straight, with the seven-time world champion unable to mount a meaningful defence. Wind conditions and Ferrari's lack of power left Hamilton exposed once Mercedes entered attacking range.

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"Tough race to keep the Mercedes behind," Hamilton said.

"I did say that was potentially the case yesterday and obviously with it being so windy today, a big, big headwind down the back straight, he came flying past," Hamilton added.

Hamilton identified Ferrari's critical weakness as the exit from Stowe, Turn 15. He said that once he applied the throttle, the car did not deliver enough power, allowing Antonelli to close rapidly before using Overtake Mode.

"I was pushing as hard as I could, I gave it absolutely everything. But well done to Kimi and we've got work to do to try and close that gap so we can keep up," Hamilton said.

"One of the biggest places is as you come out and turn when you come around Stowe, Turn 15. You get on the power, there's no power, and that's where he was catching me massively, then getting into the overtake mode," Hamilton explained.

Hamilton conceded that once Antonelli moved inside the one-second Overtake Mode window, the pass was effectively inevitable. Second place still kept Ferrari in the lead fight, but the power deficit he highlighted remains a key issue to address before the main British Grand Prix.