Two-time Formulation 1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi says he’s thrilled by Lewis Hamilton’s resurgence at Ferrari, sharing that he hopes the British driver can mount a critical championship problem within the second half of the season.
Hamilton is at present in his second 12 months with the Maranello outfit. Whereas his preliminary season with the group prompted some to query whether or not he may proceed competing at a excessive degree towards team-mate Charles Leclerc, Fittipaldi believes the seven-time champion has silenced his doubters this 12 months.
His first season with Ferrari proved difficult as he tailored to the group, however after the primary half of the 2026 season, Hamilton sits second within the drivers’ championship.
“I used to be so comfortable to see Lewis and Ferrari going quick,” Fittipaldi instructed F1.com. “I bear in mind final 12 months… it occurred to me in IndyCar, and in F1, while you become older folks begin saying, ‘Effectively, he can’t drive’, and all people final 12 months criticised Lewis.
“‘He can’t beat Leclerc, he’s too outdated’. Now he’s going sturdy. For the game it’s good, for the followers it’s good. Seeing Ferrari successful once more, and Lewis successful once more, is implausible.
Emerson Fittipaldi
Photograph by: Andy Hone/ LAT Photos through Getty Photos
“One factor that no one talks about so much is the brand new automobile. It’s smaller, with much less downforce, and to me it makes it tougher to drive quick. It brings out extra expertise.
“That’s one of many the explanation why Lewis improved, due to his automobile management, his feeling for the automobile – he’s a particularly gifted driver. He’s working in his second 12 months with Ferrari, he is aware of the engineers, and he is aware of the system.”
Waiting for the rest of the 2026 marketing campaign, Fittipaldi is keen to see Hamilton take the struggle for the drivers’ crown all the way down to the wire.
“I actually hope Lewis challenges for the championship,” the Brazilian added. “It’d be extraordinarily good to see Lewis and Ferrari working stronger, to cube with Mercedes. I hope so. I’ve a number of respect for Fred Vasseur.
“Once I owned the A1 Staff Brazil [in A1 Grand Prix], Fred [and his ART Grand Prix outfit] ran our group and did an awesome job. He’s an excellent man, a high man. I believe now he is aware of the Italians nicely! So, it needs to be good, the second half.”
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