{"id":1868198,"date":"2026-04-06T13:28:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T10:28:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1868198"},"modified":"2026-04-06T13:28:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T10:28:21","slug":"former-ferrari-f1-winner-wary-of-lewis-hamiltons-early-2026-results","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1868198","title":{"rendered":"Former Ferrari F1 winner wary of Lewis Hamilton\u2019s early 2026 results"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403071_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Former Ferrari F1 winner wary of Lewis Hamilton\u2019s early 2026 results<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Lewis Hamilton has made a strong start to the 2026 F1 season, but one former Ferrari winner is wary of it just now<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Duncan <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-06T14:28:21+01:00\">06 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403071_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403071_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403071_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403071_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403071_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403071_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403071_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403071_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403071_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, 2026 Japanese GP<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Four-time Formula 1 race winner Eddie Irvine says he \u201cwouldn\u2019t take it for granted\u201d that Lewis Hamilton\u2019s China podium signifies a genuine resurgence for the Ferrari driver.<\/p>\n<p>The seven-time world champion scored a maiden Ferrari podium at the Chinese Grand Prix last month, doing so 12 months on from his first sprint win for the Scuderia.<\/p>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton endured a torrid first season with Ferrari in 2025, but has taken to the new car regulations well and has shown to be far more competitive at the start of the current campaign.<\/p>\n<p>He was fourth in Australia, narrowly missing out on the podium to team-mate Charles Leclerc, while he had the better of the Monegasque in a tense scrap in China on his way to third.<\/p>\n<p>Hamilton sits fourth in the drivers\u2019 standings, eight points behind Leclerc, who was third in Japan as the former struggled to sixth.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>It\u2019s this result which Irvine, who raced for Ferrari between 1996 and 1999, highlights as a reason to be wary of Hamilton\u2019s apparent form rebound.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s always very complicated for the red team,\u201d he said in an interview with Italy\u2019s <em>Gazzetta dello sport.<\/em><\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-8ee101caa6d4b46d5f7bf22eafdcebb601902a392f4320cb9547d62455c66928\">  Haas \u201chave to be happy\u201d if Ferrari poaches \u201cfaultless\u201d Bearman for F1 2027   How Ferrari will work to close down Mercedes in April F1 break <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThe problem is the distance from the F1 world, which is the United Kingdom. Compared to last year, however, I think they can achieve at least one win.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI wouldn\u2019t take it [Hamilton\u2019s podium] for granted. In China, he got on the podium for the first time with Ferrari, but that\u2019s his circuit.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn Japan, however, he was outclassed by Charles Leclerc all weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-24de695b81160427b608ff2afc2b0109d5686af64acc91eef253af8da8c2ea84\">  Ferrari takes advantage of unplanned F1 break with key tests   Leclerc identifies what Ferrari need to do to catch Mercedes <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Hamilton said after the Japanese Grand Prix that he was down on power compared to the drivers around him, which left him scratching his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was ok, it was a really average weekend for me,\u201d he said at the time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just struggled with power in the race for some reason; I was just down. I was just defending the whole time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe guys around me just seemed to have more power today, so I need to understand why that is the case, whether my engine is down or what.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just need to understand it.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Fourth, third and sixth marks Hamilton\u2019s best start to a season since 2023, when he was fifth, fifth and second for Mercedes in the opening three rounds.<\/p>\n<p>It took the Briton four rounds to break into the top five in 2025 in the Ferrari.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Lewis Hamilton<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Ferrari<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> More motorsport events facing axe due to Middle East conflict<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-11.56.50.png?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-11.56.50.png?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-11.56.50.png?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-11.56.50.png?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-11.56.50.png?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-11.56.50.png?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-11.56.50.png?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-11.56.50.png?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/screenshot-2026-04-06-at-11.56.50.png?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Ayrton Senna\u2019s very first F1 car to be auctioned for massive seven-figure sum<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1028445_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1028445_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1028445_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1028445_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1028445_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1028445_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1028445_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1028445_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1028445_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-4f2e8668244a1f2e6c40d7f78a3fc0cb3ba76584eff920c947f5ec7f49e6f448\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/unnamed%20%2826%29.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/unnamed%20%2826%29.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/unnamed%20%2826%29.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Lewis Duncan<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">Head of Editorial<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<div>Lewis joined the Crash.net team in August of 2024 having been a journalist for five years covering MotoGP for the Motorsport Network. In February of 2026, he became Head of Editorial.\u00a0<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-eeaad778ccd989fa7b47cd3197c88dcdc88f68803b7b6c55541dfc6fbe96d9e4\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Costly George Russell \u201cbug\u201d exposes true complexity of new F1 engines<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774883250\"> 30\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Russell had to settle with fourth in Japan\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;Really confusing&#8221; issue ended Lewis Hamilton&#8217;s Japan F1 podium hopes<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774877172\"> 30\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404713_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, 2026 Japanese GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton: F1 drivers \u201chave no voting rights\u201d as FIA \u201conly listening to teams\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774780503\"> 29\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404689_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, 2026 Japanese GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Race Report <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Antonelli scores historic F1 Japanese GP win after safety car boost<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774766861\"> 29\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404488_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Antonelli has become F1's youngest title leader\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why drivers fear post-Japan crunch FIA meetings on F1 rule changes won&#8217;t work<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774691568\"> 28\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403959_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"2026 Japanese GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Leclerc\u2019s latest foul-mouthed F1 qualifying rant over Ferrari radio<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774691472\"> 28\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403788_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Leclerc qualified on the second row at Suzuka\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Lewis Hamilton has made a strong start to the 2026 F1 season, but one former Ferrari winner is wary of it just now<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Four-time Formula 1 race winner Eddie Irvine says he \u201cwouldn\u2019t take it for granted\u201d that Lewis Hamilton\u2019s China podium signifies a genuine resurgence for the Ferrari driver.<\/p>\n<p>The seven-time world champion scored a maiden Ferrari podium at the Chinese Grand Prix last month, doing so 12 months on from his first sprint win for the Scuderia.<\/p>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton endured a torrid first season with Ferrari in 2025, but has taken to the new car regulations well and has shown to be far more competitive at the start of the current campaign.<\/p>\n<p>He was fourth in Australia, narrowly missing out on the podium to team-mate Charles Leclerc, while he had the better of the Monegasque in a tense scrap in China on his way to third.<\/p>\n<p>Hamilton sits fourth in the drivers\u2019 standings, eight points behind Leclerc, who was third in Japan as the former struggled to sixth.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>It\u2019s this result which Irvine, who raced for Ferrari between 1996 and 1999, highlights as a reason to be wary of Hamilton\u2019s apparent form rebound.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s always very complicated for the red team,\u201d he said in an interview with Italy\u2019s <em>Gazzetta dello sport.<\/em><\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-8ee101caa6d4b46d5f7bf22eafdcebb601902a392f4320cb9547d62455c66928\">  Haas \u201chave to be happy\u201d if Ferrari poaches \u201cfaultless\u201d Bearman for F1 2027   How Ferrari will work to close down Mercedes in April F1 break <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThe problem is the distance from the F1 world, which is the United Kingdom. Compared to last year, however, I think they can achieve at least one win.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI wouldn\u2019t take it [Hamilton\u2019s podium] for granted. In China, he got on the podium for the first time with Ferrari, but that\u2019s his circuit.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn Japan, however, he was outclassed by Charles Leclerc all weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-24de695b81160427b608ff2afc2b0109d5686af64acc91eef253af8da8c2ea84\">  Ferrari takes advantage of unplanned F1 break with key tests   Leclerc identifies what Ferrari need to do to catch Mercedes <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Hamilton said after the Japanese Grand Prix that he was down on power compared to the drivers around him, which left him scratching his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was ok, it was a really average weekend for me,\u201d he said at the time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just struggled with power in the race for some reason; I was just down. I was just defending the whole time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe guys around me just seemed to have more power today, so I need to understand why that is the case, whether my engine is down or what.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just need to understand it.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Fourth, third and sixth marks Hamilton\u2019s best start to a season since 2023, when he was fifth, fifth and second for Mercedes in the opening three rounds.<\/p>\n<p>It took the Briton four rounds to break into the top five in 2025 in the Ferrari.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Four-time Formula 1 race winner Eddie Irvine says he \u201cwouldn\u2019t take it for granted\u201d that Lewis Hamilton\u2019s China podium signifies a genuine resurgence for the Ferrari driver.<\/p>\n<p>The seven-time world champion scored a maiden Ferrari podium at the Chinese Grand Prix last month, doing so 12 months on from his first sprint win for the Scuderia.<\/p>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton endured a torrid first season with Ferrari in 2025, but has taken to the new car regulations well and has shown to be far more competitive at the start of the current campaign.<\/p>\n<p>He was fourth in Australia, narrowly missing out on the podium to team-mate Charles Leclerc, while he had the better of the Monegasque in a tense scrap in China on his way to third.<\/p>\n<p>Hamilton sits fourth in the drivers\u2019 standings, eight points behind Leclerc, who was third in Japan as the former struggled to sixth.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>It\u2019s this result which Irvine, who raced for Ferrari between 1996 and 1999, highlights as a reason to be wary of Hamilton\u2019s apparent form rebound.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s always very complicated for the red team,\u201d he said in an interview with Italy\u2019s <em>Gazzetta dello sport.<\/em><\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-8ee101caa6d4b46d5f7bf22eafdcebb601902a392f4320cb9547d62455c66928\">  Haas \u201chave to be happy\u201d if Ferrari poaches \u201cfaultless\u201d Bearman for F1 2027   How Ferrari will work to close down Mercedes in April F1 break <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThe problem is the distance from the F1 world, which is the United Kingdom. Compared to last year, however, I think they can achieve at least one win.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI wouldn\u2019t take it [Hamilton\u2019s podium] for granted. In China, he got on the podium for the first time with Ferrari, but that\u2019s his circuit.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn Japan, however, he was outclassed by Charles Leclerc all weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-24de695b81160427b608ff2afc2b0109d5686af64acc91eef253af8da8c2ea84\">  Ferrari takes advantage of unplanned F1 break with key tests   Leclerc identifies what Ferrari need to do to catch Mercedes <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Hamilton said after the Japanese Grand Prix that he was down on power compared to the drivers around him, which left him scratching his head.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was ok, it was a really average weekend for me,\u201d he said at the time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just struggled with power in the race for some reason; I was just down. I was just defending the whole time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe guys around me just seemed to have more power today, so I need to understand why that is the case, whether my engine is down or what.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just need to understand it.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Fourth, third and sixth marks Hamilton\u2019s best start to a season since 2023, when he was fifth, fifth and second for Mercedes in the opening three rounds.<\/p>\n<p>It took the Briton four rounds to break into the top five in 2025 in the Ferrari.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1092888\/1\/former-ferrari-f1-winner-wary-lewis-hamiltons-early-2026-results&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403071_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Former Ferrari F1 winner wary of Lewis Hamilton\u2019s early 2026 results Lewis Hamilton has made a strong start to the 2026 F1 season, but one former Ferrari winner is wary of it just now Lewis Duncan 06 Apr 2026 Share Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, 2026 Japanese GP \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images Add as a preferred [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1868198","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1868198","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1868198"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1868198\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1868198"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1868198"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1868198"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}