Lewis Hamilton assesses Ferrari pecking order after Azerbaijan GP struggle

Lewis Hamilton finished sixth for Ferrari at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, crossing the finish line 22.382 seconds behind race winner George Russell. Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar completed the podium in Baku. Hamilton rejected suggestions that Ferrari should now be categorized as Formula 1's fourth-fastest team, though he acknowledged that the team is not currently operating as the second-quickest package.

Ferrari's straight-line deficit on Baku's 2.2-kilometer full-throttle section left Hamilton isolated and unable to attack or defend effectively against rivals. Although the SF-26 car remained competitive in cornering sections, power unit limitations relative to Mercedes hampered straight-line performance throughout the weekend.