Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited return to Formula 1’s top step with Ferrari has reignited excitement across the paddock, and former Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas believes a subtle but significant factor may be helping drive the seven-time world champion’s resurgence.
Hamilton ended a lengthy victory drought with a memorable triumph at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, marking his first win in the Scuderia’s colours and continuing an impressive run of form that has seen him collect consecutive podium finishes in Monaco and Canada before sealing victory in Barcelona.
After a challenging start to life with the Scuderia, Hamilton now appears increasingly comfortable at the wheel, and Bottas suspects that the latest Ferrari may finally be offering something previous cars could not.
Having spent five seasons alongside Hamilton at Mercedes, Bottas has had a front-row seat to the Briton’s strengths and understands how small details can influence performance at the highest level.
“Naturally, people are happier the better the racing goes on the track, and he is in a good place which is good to see,” the Finn said, reflecting on his former teammate’s success.
“I think he has shown that he hasn’t lost any of his ability to do great qualifyings and great races.
“Yeah, maybe this type of car is a bit different to in the past. Maybe it is the first car that has a bit of his DNA in it.
“Those small things can make a big difference because in the end, in this sport, we are talking about such fine margins. But it’s good to see.”
The comments underline a theory that Hamilton’s growing influence within Ferrari may now be paying dividends.
Throughout Formula 1’s ground-effect era, Hamilton often struggled to find a consistent connection with the cars he drove. Despite occasional victories, including two wins in 2024 after enduring the first winless season of his career the previous year, he never appeared entirely at ease.
Now, however, the picture looks very different. Ferrari’s recent progress has coincided with the seven-time world champion’s increasing confidence, creating a combination that has quickly transformed him back into a race-winning force.
Hamilton’s victory in Spain last time out also prompted a heartfelt response from former rival and 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg.
The now retired German driver famously defeated Hamilton in one of Formula 1’s most intense title battles before retiring immediately after securing the championship. Despite their fierce rivalry, he admitted he was genuinely thrilled to witness Hamilton’s breakthrough Ferrari success.
“I can honestly enjoy it with him. And I just congratulated him. I was very happy to congratulate him because it's awesome,” Rosberg told Sky F1 after the race.
He revealed that watching Hamilton struggle during the opening phase of his Ferrari adventure had been difficult.
“I really felt for the struggles he went through as he started his time with Ferrari. It was horrible to watch. And now he's just thriving so well and flying, and confident, and enjoying it, and that's just awesome.
“This win is historic. It's spectacular. So, a great day for him, for the sport.”
Rosberg also believes Hamilton’s success could trigger an even stronger run of performances as confidence spreads throughout the team.
“He's also entering into this positive flywheel. You get positive results, you get more motivated, you get happier, you work harder,” he added.
“So this is going to propel him even higher, together with his team. So it's an incredible momentum at the moment over there.”
With Ferrari gaining momentum and Hamilton once again looking like a driver capable of fighting at the very front, the mood surrounding the iconic partnership has shifted dramatically.
If Bottas is right and Ferrari has finally produced a car carrying some of Hamilton’s influence, that “small thing” could prove to be one of the biggest stories of the season.
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