Hamilton banks on wet Canadian GP to boost Ferrari hopes

Lewis Hamilton admitted he was satisfied with his qualifying performance at the Canadian Grand Prix, despite missing out on the very front positions, and is hoping the expected rain could play into Ferrari's hands for the race.

The seven-time world champion missed Oscar Piastri's second-row spot by less than a tenth of a second, with Mercedes once again showing strong pace around Montreal. Hamilton credited setup changes for improved confidence in the car.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari was meant to reignite his title hopes, but the Scuderia has struggled to consistently challenge the frontrunners in 2026. A wet race in Canada could offer a rare opportunity to close the gap and deliver a statement result.

The details:

• Qualifying performance: Hamilton felt the car improved through the session, but missing his final lap likely cost him a better result. "If I got that last lap, I probably could have been a bit better," he said.
• Setup gains: The Briton highlighted better brakes and corner entry stability as key areas where he now feels more confident pushing the car. "I'm much, much happier to attack the car," he added.
• Rain hopes: When asked about the forecasted wet conditions, Hamilton said: "I'm hoping it is. I hope that levels us out to the guys ahead and maybe gives us a bit of a chance to fight with them."
• Wet tyre concerns: Hamilton criticized current wet tyres, citing issues with low blanket temperatures and compounds that don't work properly. He pushed for changes during testing but believes the problem remains unresolved.

What's next:

Hamilton also faces a stewards' investigation for allegedly impeding Pierre Gasly during qualifying. A penalty could further complicate his race, but if the rain arrives and the investigation clears, Ferrari might have its best chance yet to challenge for a win in 2026.