Lewis Hamilton’s remarkable recovery at Ferrari has earned fresh recognition from former Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill, who believes the British superstar has rebuilt himself after years of disappointment following the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Hill’s assessment comes as Hamilton’s resurgence has reignited championship expectations and intensified debate about Ferrari’s handling of its two star drivers.
After a difficult debut season with Ferrari, Hamilton has produced a significantly stronger campaign in 2026, securing victories and pole positions while demonstrating that his competitive ability remains far from diminished. His progress has also prompted Hill to make a bold suggestion about how Ferrari should approach its championship ambitions.
DAMON HILL ADMITS HAMILTON’S COMEBACK SURPRISED HIM
Hill believes Hamilton deserves enormous credit for recovering from the emotional disappointment of Abu Dhabi 2021 and rebuilding his confidence after several difficult seasons.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ The F1 Show, the 1996 world champion described Hamilton as an extraordinary individual whose determination has impressed him throughout the current campaign.
Hill admitted that Hamilton’s performances in 2026 have exceeded his expectations, particularly considering the difficulties experienced during his first season at Ferrari.
The British champion’s ability to secure pole positions and race victories in Ferrari machinery has demonstrated that he still possesses the speed and competitive instincts required to challenge at the highest level.
For Hill, Hamilton’s recovery represents more than simply a return to winning form. It reflects the resilience required to overcome years of disappointment while continuing to compete against a new generation of championship contenders.
ABU DHABI 2021 REMAINS A DEFINING MOMENT IN HAMILTON’S CAREER
Hamilton’s difficult journey began with the extraordinary events of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Mercedes driver appeared on course to secure a record-breaking eighth world championship before a controversial late-race safety car restart changed the outcome.
Max Verstappen ultimately won the race and championship, leaving Hamilton devastated after what had been one of the most intense title battles in Formula 1 history.
The controversy surrounding the race became one of the most significant moments in modern motorsport, with the FIA subsequently acknowledging that human error affected the handling of the safety car procedure.
Hamilton’s disappointment was compounded by Mercedes’ struggles during the following seasons, as the team failed to consistently provide machinery capable of fighting for championships.
Hill believes those circumstances contributed to the emotional and competitive challenges Hamilton faced before his eventual Ferrari move.
FERRARI’S RESURGENCE HAS REVEALED HAMILTON’S TRUE POTENTIAL
Hamilton’s first season at Ferrari generated considerable criticism after he struggled to match Charles Leclerc consistently.
The difficulties prompted speculation about whether the seven-time world champion was approaching the end of his career.
However, his performances in 2026 have dramatically changed the conversation.
Hamilton has secured victories and pole positions with Ferrari while reportedly moving ahead of Leclerc in the drivers’ championship.
His Mexican Grand Prix pole position was particularly significant, marking his first qualifying pole in approximately three years and providing another indication that his speed remains intact.
The improvement has strengthened the belief that Hamilton can still compete for major honours if Ferrari delivers a consistently competitive car.
DAMON HILL WARNS FERRARI ABOUT INTERNAL POLITICS
Beyond praising Hamilton’s recovery, Hill expressed concern about Ferrari’s internal dynamics.
He suggested that divisions within the organisation could undermine its championship ambitions if the team continues allowing tensions between its drivers to develop.
Ferrari’s relationship with Hamilton and Leclerc has attracted increasing attention following their Mexican Grand Prix clash and subsequent discussions with team principal Fred Vasseur.
Hill believes a championship-winning organisation must prioritise collective performance rather than allowing internal disagreements to dominate its operations.
His argument is that Ferrari cannot afford to create an environment in which its drivers are constantly competing against each other at the expense of the team’s broader objectives.
That concern becomes particularly important as Ferrari attempts to challenge Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes for championship honours.
HILL MAKES A BOLD CALL FOR FERRARI TO BACK HAMILTON
Hill’s most controversial suggestion was that Ferrari should consider placing its championship backing behind Hamilton.
The former world champion believes Ferrari has already made a significant investment in bringing Hamilton to Maranello and should maximise the opportunity if the team possesses championship-winning machinery in 2027.
According to Hill, Hamilton’s experience, commercial significance and proven championship credentials make him an attractive figure around whom Ferrari could build its title campaign.
He also suggested that Hamilton’s arrival was intended to help Ferrari win championships rather than simply add another driver to its lineup.
However, such a strategy would inevitably create difficult questions about Leclerc’s position.
The Monegasque has been Ferrari’s leading driver for several seasons and has played a major role in the team’s development.
Any decision to favour Hamilton would therefore risk creating additional tension within the organisation.
CHARLES LECLERC COULD FACE A DIFFICULT FERRARI DECISION
Leclerc’s perspective would be central to any potential championship strategy.
The Ferrari driver has spent years attempting to deliver a world championship for the Italian team and has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to compete at the front.
A decision to prioritise Hamilton could therefore generate understandable frustration, particularly if Leclerc believes he deserves equal opportunities.
Ferrari would need to carefully consider how such a policy could affect team morale, driver motivation and its long-term relationship with both competitors.
The team could also face criticism if it appeared to favour one driver without a clear performance-based justification.
For that reason, Hill’s suggestion is likely to remain a subject of debate rather than an immediate indication of Ferrari’s plans.
HAMILTON’S EIGHTH WORLD TITLE DREAM IS STILL ALIVE
Hamilton’s pursuit of an eighth world championship remains one of Formula 1’s most compelling storylines.
A title with Ferrari would represent an extraordinary achievement, allowing him to move beyond his existing record shared with Michael Schumacher.
It would also provide a remarkable conclusion to a career that has already produced historic victories, championship battles and some of the most memorable moments in motorsport.
Hill believes Ferrari could have the opportunity to make that story a reality if it develops a competitive car and manages its internal situation effectively.
However, the championship challenge would require more than simply backing Hamilton.
Ferrari must also improve its race execution, strategic consistency and ability to deliver performance across different circuits.
FERRARI MUST DECIDE WHETHER UNITY OR DRIVER PRIORITY WILL DEFINE ITS FUTURE
Hill’s comments ultimately highlight a difficult question facing Ferrari.
Should the team continue treating Hamilton and Leclerc equally, or should it eventually prioritise the driver with the strongest championship opportunity?
That decision could become particularly important if both drivers remain competitive during the opening stages of the 2027 season.
For now, Ferrari has not officially announced a policy of prioritising Hamilton over Leclerc.
Both drivers remain central to the team’s ambitions, and the management’s responsibility will be to ensure their rivalry does not damage Ferrari’s championship prospects.
Hamilton’s comeback has undoubtedly strengthened his position within the organisation, but the bigger challenge remains converting individual success into a sustained championship campaign.
With his confidence restored and his competitive performances improving, the possibility of Hamilton finally achieving his Ferrari championship dream has become one of Formula 1’s most fascinating narratives.
