Over half of Formula 1 fans believe Lewis Hamilton can clinch a record-breaking eighth world championship this season, according to a RacingNews365 poll.
Despite Mercedes‘ early dominance, 52.8% of respondents backed Ferrari’s SF-26 as fast enough for Hamilton to secure the title, whilst 32.8% predicted the seven-time champion will claim wins but fall short of championship glory. Just 14.4% ruled him out entirely due to Mercedes’ pace advantage.
Hamilton currently sits fourth in the standings with 33 points after two rounds, trailing Mercedes’ George Russell by 18 points. The German marque has won both opening races and the sprint, yet the gap to Ferrari remains narrow, between five and seven tenths depending on circuit characteristics.
The 41-year-old has expressed cautious optimism about closing the deficit. Speaking after the Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton told Sky Sports F1: “There’s lots of positives but we have a lot of work to do to catch Mercedes but it’s not impossible. I believe we can close the gap.”
However, Hamilton identified Ferrari’s power unit as the primary concern. At the Chinese Grand Prix, where he secured his maiden podium with the Scuderia, he noted the SF-26 loses “a lot of time” on straights despite strong cornering performance. “Car-wise, the car feels great,” Hamilton explained. “When you’re down on power, it’s just the way it is.”
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has stressed that Hamilton feels increasingly involved in the project, integral to the improved on-track results. The Briton requires a “huge step” in downforce, efficiency and power to challenge Russell and teammate Charles Leclerc, who sits third on 34 points.
Yet Hamilton remains committed to the Maranello effort, insisting: “I really do believe in everyone back in Maranello and that it’s not an impossible feat to overcome.”