Lewis Hamilton spotted a new hairstyle for the Barcelona Grand Prix weekend – Photo: Race Pictures
Elsewhere in the Ferrari camp, teammate Leclerc had a light-hearted wardrobe mix-up, turning up for media duties in Barcelona wearing a Ferrari kit marked with “44”, Hamilton’s race number, instead of his usual “16”, a small but amusing slip-up that did not go unnoticed in the paddock.
Bottas highlights reason for Hamilton’s Ferrari form
The Cadillac driver, who spent five seasons alongside Hamilton at Mercedes, suggested that the seven-time world champion looks far more comfortable with the current generation of cars. Bottas also pointed to the possibility that Hamilton’s influence has been more clearly reflected in Ferrari’s SF-26 package, which has translated into unlocking stronger performances.
“Well, naturally people are happier the better the racing goes on track, and he seems in a good place. It’s good to see, and yeah, I think he’s shown that he hasn’t lost any of his ability to do great qualifying laps, great races. And yeah, maybe this year’s cars suit him a bit better; or maybe it’s the first car that has a bit more of his DNA in it. Those small things can make a big difference, because in the end, this sport is all about such fine margins. But yeah, it’s good to see,” Bottas told GPblog in Barcelona.
Hamilton has now made it two consecutive podium finishes and three through the first six races of the 2026 campaign, after experiencing a torrid debut maiden season at the Maranello team. The seven-time champion went the entirety of the campaign failing to record a podium through the 2025 season.
