Hamilton 'much happier' after Dutch GP Qualifying P5 amid earlier 'knock' in confidence
Photo: Race Pictures
Updated: 19:46, 22 Aug
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Henry Eccles is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs, and features across the F1 calendar. Since joining in 2026, he has produced high-volume reporting on the sport’s biggest stories, alongside feature pieces including analysis and historical content.
Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton has said he is now "much happier" with his SF-26 after securing P5 at Qualifying for the Dutch GP. Following a disappointing P7 finish in both Sprint Qualifying and the race, Hamilton had lamented setup changes that saw him drift from P4 in FP1.
The seven-time world champion was the final driver to cross the line during Q3 at Zandvoort, with the rain starting to pour mere minutes prior to the session's end. And while the Briton failed to get ahead of either Mercedes or McLaren cars, he pipped his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc to fifth by 0.06s.
Speaking to media, including GPblog, Hamilton reflected on an improved feeling in his Ferrari. "I was much much happier with the car in quali thankfully," he said.
"But it's not that helpful... when it comes to building confidence, it's like you put in brick by brick, you put it down, building a wall, knock down that confidence that had in FP1, didn't have it through Sprint Qualifying and then I just basically started again building. The car was much better and much happier with it. I'm excited for tomorrow."
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Hamilton confident he can fight in Dutch GP
Photo: Race Pictures
Detailing where he struggled during Saturday's action, the Ferrari driver pointed to his tyres, locking up at Turn 1 on a number of occasions. "I think the tyres were the biggest culprit today, just really struggling to get the tires to work. They're not really in in the first sector, that's where we lost most of our time. And then they get better through the lap.
"Doing an out lap and a prep lap, and the tyres are still not ready for Turn 1. It's nuts, so you just don't have the confidence to attack Turn 1. I think that was the biggest difference today," Hamilton added, before admitting "I don't know" how rivals were able to qualify with just one out lap.
Nevertheless, Hamilton believes he is in a stronger position for the Grand Prix, pointing to Leclerc's impressive race pace during the Sprint to secure P2. He said: "I think our race pace was better today. It was good, I mean mine wasn't great, but Charles’ particularly was good. I think the car feels much better. I think it's going to be better tomorrow. So I think we'll probably be able to hold on to the guys up ahead at least. Strategy is going to be key."
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Dutch Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 21.08.26
Practice 1
10:30 AM
Sprint Qualification
02:30 PM
Saturday 22.08.26
Sprint Race
10:00 AM
Qualification
02:00 PM
Sunday 23.08.26
Race
01:00 PM
Friday 21.08.26
Practice 1
Fri 10:30 AM
Sprint Qualification
Fri 02:30 PM
Saturday 22.08.26
Sprint Race
Sat 10:00 AM
Qualification
Sat 02:00 PM
Sunday 23.08.26
Race
Sun 01:00 PM
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 224 | |
2 | FerrariFER | 171 | |
3 | MercedesMER | 168 | |
4 | FerrariFER | 145 | |
5 | McLarenMCL | 134 | |
6 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 112 | |
7 | McLarenMCL | 96 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 68 | |
9 | AlpineALP | 43 | |
10 | Racing BullsRCB | 43 |
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