Lewis Hamilton has admitted he was devastated by the way his Brazilian Grand Prix unfolded after a promising opening lap turned into another frustrating afternoon for the seven-time Formula 1 world champion.
The Ferrari driver arrived at Interlagos hoping to recover from a difficult starting position, and initially appeared capable of producing one of the most impressive comeback performances of the weekend. Starting 20th after taking a fresh power unit, Hamilton charged through the field in the opening corners, demonstrating the speed and determination that have defined his career.
However, the early excitement quickly disappeared as tyre problems, excessive oversteer and changing weather conditions undermined his progress. What began as a promising recovery eventually ended with Hamilton finishing ninth, being lapped for the first time since the 2022 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and publicly expressing his disappointment.
His comments also raise further questions about Ferrari’s ability to provide him with a competitive car and execute a clean race strategy as the 2026 season approaches its conclusion.
HAMILTON PRODUCES A REMARKABLE OPENING LAP FROM 20TH
Hamilton’s Brazilian Grand Prix began with an impressive display of aggression and precision.
Starting from 20th on the grid, the British driver immediately made progress when the lights went out. Despite the difficult conditions and the challenge of managing intermediate tyres, he attacked the opening corners and began overtaking cars ahead.
By Turn Five, Hamilton had already passed Haas driver Oliver Bearman, who had started sixth. He eventually completed the opening lap in ninth position, gaining 11 places in an extraordinary opening sequence.
Max Verstappen also produced a spectacular start from 21st, and the two recovery drives attracted attention from their fellow competitors.
Gabriel Bortoleto described their launches as “rocketship starts”, highlighting just how much ground both drivers had gained during the opening moments.
For Hamilton, the start offered hope that he could turn a difficult grid position into a meaningful points finish.
Unfortunately, the performance did not continue.
TYRE PROBLEMS QUICKLY DESTROY HAMILTON’S MOMENTUM
By the third lap, Hamilton was already struggling with his Ferrari.
Despite the promising opening, the car developed significant oversteer, making it difficult for him to maintain consistent pace through the corners. Verstappen eventually caught and passed him as Hamilton began losing positions.
The problem was particularly frustrating because the British driver had demonstrated that he possessed the speed to make progress through the field.
However, Formula 1 races are rarely decided by a strong opening lap alone. Drivers must maintain tyre performance, manage changing track conditions and ensure their cars remain balanced over long stints.
Hamilton struggled to achieve that combination at Interlagos.
Ferrari’s tyre difficulties affected his ability to remain competitive, while the oversteer made the car increasingly uncomfortable to drive.
The contrast between his first lap and the remainder of the race was striking. Within a few laps, the optimism surrounding his recovery had been replaced by another difficult afternoon.
FERRARI’S STRATEGY ALSO CAME UNDER PRESSURE
Hamilton’s race became more complicated when Ferrari had to make another important tyre decision.
As the track conditions evolved, Hamilton became the first driver to switch to slick tyres on Lap 15. The decision initially appeared to offer an opportunity to recover positions, and he climbed back towards ninth.
However, the changing weather eventually created another strategic challenge.
Rain returned to parts of the Interlagos circuit, making intermediate tyres increasingly necessary. Ferrari needed to bring Hamilton into the pits before the conditions became too difficult for slicks.
The timing of that stop became one of the most damaging moments of his race.
Hamilton missed the pit entry when the rain intensified, forcing him to complete another lap on unsuitable tyres. As he approached the pit lane, the Ferrari lost control and spun, with its rear wing striking the barrier.
Although the car escaped serious damage, the incident cost him valuable time and effectively ended any remaining opportunity to improve his finishing position.
It was another example of how quickly a promising recovery can collapse when tyre decisions and changing weather conditions work against a driver.
HAMILTON ADMITS HE WAS DEVASTATED AFTER THE RACE
Following the Brazilian Grand Prix, Hamilton took to Instagram to share his disappointment with fans.
He made it clear that the race had begun positively but eventually became extremely difficult because of the Ferrari’s tyre behaviour and handling problems.
“Devastated by yesterday’s race, especially with how it ended. It started so well, but we struggled with the tyres and massive oversteer,” Hamilton wrote.
He also explained that the conditions made the situation particularly challenging, adding that he had pushed as hard as possible despite the lack of competitive pace.
The most significant part of his message was his admission that Ferrari simply did not have the speed required to compete effectively throughout the weekend.
“We’ll work to understand why and come back fighting at the next race,” he added.
That statement suggests Hamilton is not prepared to allow another disappointing weekend to define the remainder of his season.
However, his frustration is understandable. He has joined Ferrari with the expectation of competing for major honours, yet the team continues to encounter difficulties that prevent him from consistently fighting towards the front.
BRAZILIAN FANS RECEIVE A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM HAMILTON
Despite the disappointing result, Hamilton made a point of thanking the Brazilian supporters who continued backing him throughout the weekend.
Interlagos has a special place in his career, largely because of his admiration for Ayrton Senna and the emotional connection he has developed with Brazilian fans.
Hamilton has enjoyed several memorable moments at the circuit, including his victory in 2021 after starting from the back of the grid in the sprint event and receiving a grid penalty for the Grand Prix.
That history made the latest disappointment particularly difficult.
He acknowledged the effort Ferrari had invested in preparing the car and admitted that the result was not what he wanted to deliver to the Brazilian crowd.
Hamilton also thanked supporters for remaining behind him through difficult moments, making it clear that their encouragement continues to mean a great deal.
For a driver who has built a significant following in Brazil, the emotional connection with the circuit remains important even when the sporting outcome is disappointing.
HAMILTON CONGRATULATES MERCEDES AFTER CONSTRUCTORS’ TITLE SUCCESS
Interestingly, Hamilton also used his post-race message to congratulate his former team, Mercedes, after they secured the 2026 Constructors’ Championship.
Mercedes achieved the milestone through a strong campaign, with George Russell finishing fourth and Kimi Antonelli fifth in Brazil.
The title represents another major achievement for the organisation and further strengthens its position among Formula 1’s most successful teams.
Hamilton played a central role in Mercedes’ championship dominance during his time with the team, winning six drivers’ titles and helping the Silver Arrows establish one of the most successful periods in modern F1 history.
His message was respectful and congratulatory.
“Well done to Mercedes for winning the Constructors’ Championship and the incredible year they’ve had overall. Truly deserved,” he wrote.
The message was a reminder of the success Hamilton enjoyed before moving to Ferrari. While his current priority remains making his new project successful, his relationship with Mercedes and the people who helped shape his career clearly remains important.
There is also an unavoidable contrast between Mercedes celebrating another constructors’ championship and Ferrari continuing to search for consistency.
FERRARI MUST GIVE HAMILTON A BETTER CAR BEFORE 2027
The Brazilian Grand Prix has once again highlighted the scale of the work Ferrari must complete before the next season.
Hamilton’s opening lap demonstrated that he still possesses the ability to make aggressive moves and extract opportunities from difficult situations. However, that individual quality cannot compensate indefinitely for a car that struggles with tyre performance and balance.
Ferrari must investigate why the oversteer became such a significant problem and whether its setup decisions contributed to Hamilton’s difficulties.
The team also needs to improve its communication and strategic execution. As demonstrated by the late rain shower, small delays or misunderstandings can quickly become costly when conditions change around a circuit.
The challenge is not simply to provide Hamilton with more speed. Ferrari must deliver a package that allows him to compete consistently across different conditions.
That means better tyre management, predictable handling, effective pit-wall decisions and a stronger working relationship between the driver and his engineers.
Without those improvements, the same problems could follow Hamilton into another campaign.
THE FINAL THREE RACES WILL BE IMPORTANT FOR HAMILTON AND FERRARI
The 2026 season is approaching its conclusion, with Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi remaining on the calendar.
These races offer Ferrari an opportunity to demonstrate that the problems exposed in Brazil can be addressed before preparations for 2027 become the team’s main priority.
For Hamilton, the immediate objective will be to finish the campaign strongly and regain some confidence after another difficult weekend.
His ninth-place finish in Brazil was particularly disappointing because of how much potential his opening lap had suggested. A driver who gained 11 positions immediately after the start would naturally have hoped for a much stronger result.
However, the final classification tells only part of the story. The more important question is whether Ferrari can identify the reasons behind the car’s poor performance and prevent similar situations from happening again.
Hamilton’s public comments were emotional but measured. He acknowledged the team’s effort, accepted the difficult outcome and promised to return fighting.
That attitude will be important as Ferrari attempt to rebuild confidence.
The seven-time world champion has not lost his determination, but determination alone will not solve Ferrari’s problems. The team must give him a car and operational support capable of matching his ambitions.
Brazil was another painful reminder of how much work remains.
