Lewis Hamilton left Austin on Sunday with a spring in his step after a US Grand Prix that he described as one of Ferrari’s most positive weekends of the season.
The seven-time world champion, who finished fourth in both the Sprint and the main race at the Circuit of the Americas, said he’s finally “feeling more and more at one with the car” after months of steady progress.
The result, combined with teammate Charles Leclerc’s podium finish, helped Ferrari close the gap to Mercedes in the Constructors’ standings, setting up a tight fight heading into the final stretch of the season. And while a podium slipped just out of reach, Hamilton was clearly upbeat about the team’s growing momentum.
“Austin, you never disappoint,” he wrote on Instagram after the race. “There are so many positives to take from this weekend. I’m feeling more and more at one with the car so we’re definitely moving in the right direction.
“Big shout to the team for the hard work that’s gone into getting us this result and major love to all the fans out in Austin.”
Turning progress into performance
Hamilton’s weekend in Texas was defined by consistency and sharp racecraft. A gritty drive in Saturday’s Sprint showcased flashes of the old Hamilton speed and flair, and his strong Sunday pace reinforced that impression.
But while there was plenty to celebrate, the 39-year-old was clear-eyed about the team’s next steps.
“I’m really looking at the next races as, ultimately, test weekends in terms of continuing to learn and improve on our processes,” he told reporters in Austin.
“As I said in the last races, there’s been a couple of gems through the weekend that we didn’t capitalise on. So it’s about taking those good bits and continuing to take what works and change what doesn’t.”
Hamilton said Ferrari’s focus now is on refining its teamwork and communication as the team looks ahead to 2026’s sweeping regulation changes.
“That’s what we’re trying to do moving forward, continuing to build on the relationships, continuing to build on communication,” he said.
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Despite missing out on the podium, Hamilton said Ferrari’s steady improvements – both in performance and cohesion – are what really matter right now.
“Everyone back at the factory really deserves a good result, and that’s the sole focus,” he concluded. “To get good results, try to maximise, squeeze absolutely every point we can out of our performances on the weekends.”
With Hamilton visibly more comfortable in red and Ferrari finding fresh consistency, Austin may have been more than just another race – it may have been the moment the Briton’s season truly turned a corner.
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