Lewis HamiltonPlayer·Lewis Hamilton secured his second consecutive second-place finish at the Monaco Grand PrixCompetition·Monaco Grand Prix on June 7, 2026, a significant result amidst the challenging conditions of the iconic street circuit. This performance underscores his resurgent form in the 2026 Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 season, even as he acknowledges the formidable pace of MercedesTeam·Mercedes and its driver, Andrea Kimi AntonelliPlayer·Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
The demanding Circuit de MonacoVenue·Circuit de Monaco presented a stern test for all competitors, with Hamilton expertly navigating the tight turns and unforgiving barriers to secure a valuable podium for Scuderia FerrariTeam·Scuderia Ferrari. His satisfaction was evident, particularly given the difficult circumstances of the race.
"I took another second place, which is great, especially in Monaco, in the most difficult conditions, it was really very difficult. So I'm happy."— Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton also extended congratulations to Andrea Kimi AntonelliPlayer·Andrea Kimi Antonelli and his former team, MercedesTeam·Mercedes, for their exceptional performance. "First I have to congratulate Kimi and the MercedesTeam·Mercedes team, my old family, they did it again, they created a great car," Hamilton explained. "And Kimi did an incredible job, he does it every weekend. It's great to watch him perform, I'm very happy for him."
Antonelli's victory in Monaco marked his fifth consecutive Grand Prix win, solidifying his lead in the drivers' championship. This dominant streak highlights MercedesTeam·Mercedes' current advantage in the highly competitive 2026 season. As of June 7, 2026, Antonelli leads the championship with 156 points, while Hamilton sits in second with 90 points.
While Hamilton's individual performance is improving, he recognizes the gap that Ferrari still needs to close with MercedesTeam·Mercedes. "I think we are also progressing in recent months, but we still cannot fight with MercedesTeam·Mercedes, we will need more work to reach their level," he commented. Ferrari currently holds second place in the constructors' standings with 147 points.
The 2026 season marks a notable turnaround for the seven-time world champion after a challenging 2025 campaign, his first with Ferrari, where he failed to secure a podium finish and placed sixth overall. This year, he achieved his first podium with Ferrari in China, signaling a positive shift. His rigorous off-season training and a strategic decision to skip simulator sessions before the Canadian Grand PrixCompetition·Canadian Grand Prix, which also yielded a second-place finish, have contributed to his renewed confidence. Hamilton described his feeling before the 2026 season as "much happier" after a "really positive" off-season, and his performance in Canada as "the best I've felt all year." He even topped the second free practice session ahead of the Monaco Grand PrixCompetition·Monaco Grand Prix, demonstrating his pace.
The 2026 Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 season is defined by significant technical regulation changes, including revised power unit configurations and new active aerodynamic elements, which Hamilton had predicted would make it the "most technical season." The entry of new teams like AudiTeam·Audi and CadillacTeam·Cadillac further intensifies the competition, making Ferrari's continued development crucial for challenging MercedesTeam·Mercedes' supremacy.
Toto Wolff celebrates victory on the podium, spraying champagne, with Lewis Hamilton nearby at the Monaco Grand Prix. Eibner/IMAGO
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