Lewis' Ferrari revival: 'It was Hamilton the winner all over again'

09:00, 15 Jul

Updated: 13:04, 15 Jul

byLuke-John Buckle

Lewis Hamilton has been lagging behind his teammate Charles Leclerc this season in an underwhelming campaign.

The seven-time world champion moved to Ferrari amid a lot of anticipation in pre-season, but he is yet to score a podium in 2025.

Hamilton did win the Sprint earlier this season in China, but that result has turned out to be a one-off for the 40-year-old.

The Ferrari driver struggled for the opening 10 rounds but has made a slight step up in Austria and at Silverstone.

Hamilton finished fourth at the end of both races as they were McLaren's nearest challenger at the Red Bull Ring.

The British Grand Prix saw both Ferraris just miss out on pole position to Max Verstappen but Hamilton in particular looked more competitive.

Former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer feels Silverstone was Hamilton's best weekend so far and his consistency was a vital difference.

He told the F1 Nation podcast: "I thought Silverstone actually looked like it was going to be the best of Lewis again until he didn't quite nail that final qualifying lap. But it was the best I've seen from him this year, maybe since the China sprint as a one-off earlier on.

"He looked like every lap was quick. That was the good thing for Hamilton in Silverstone. It was not just a stint here, a lap there. It was every lap in practice and in qualifying. He was a little bit ahead of Charles, mostly."

Ferrari couldn't perfect the race despite the good speed

Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari red at Bahrain

Palmer continued: "And Ferrari were bang on the pace. Obviously, the execution then was a bit disappointing. Hopefully it's just showing that he is getting more comfortable with the car and these upgrades are getting him a little bit more suited to it."

Ferrari was very quick in qualifying, as both Hamilton and Leclerc were in contention for pole position but couldn't maximise the race result.

Leclerc didn't score a point while Hamilton lost out in a battle with Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg in a duel for the final podium position and third place.