Photo: Ferrari
Hamilton not thinking about title fight despite Ferrari progress
Lewis Hamilton insists his focus remains firmly on delivering strong performances one race at a time rather than chasing championship calculations. While Ferrari has continued to close the gap to the front, the seven-time world champion believes the team's improving unity and steady development are the real reasons for optimism.
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Ferrari has established itself as Mercedes' closest challenger this season, with the SF-26 combining competitive pace with stronger reliability. Hamilton currently sits third in the drivers' standings following the British Grand Prix, 32 points behind Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli and seven adrift of Antonelli's team-mate George Russell. The Briton has collected five podium finishes from the opening nine races, including victory in Barcelona.
Although Hamilton has repeatedly said he intends to remain in Formula 1 until he secures a record-breaking eighth world title, he stressed ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix that the championship is not occupying his thoughts.
"I am really, really proud of the whole team in the factory, like every person in the team brings something to the table," said Hamilton, as quited by RacingNews365.
According to Hamilton, Ferrari has taken significant steps forward behind the scenes, with every department raising its level and the entire organisation working more effectively under team principal Fred Vasseur.
"Everyone is levelling up, everyone is pushing that extra bit harder than maybe they did before, and we're working more cohesively and more tight-knit than before, with great leadership from Fred, and to see improvements coming that we've asked for," the Ferrari driver added.
The Briton also highlighted Ferrari's latest engine development, describing it as another encouraging step rather than a complete solution. Despite Ferrari's upward trajectory, Hamilton made it clear that his attention remains on executing flawless race weekends instead of looking too far ahead in the championship battle.
"But I am not thinking about the championship, I am thinking about each race and executing in a way [like we did in Barcelona], because the pit-stops, the strategy were all in sync. Having that every single weekend is the most important thing, and not thinking about what is going to happen in 15 races," Hamlilton concluded.
