Lewis Hamilton’s dissatisfaction with his qualifying position at the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, 2026, underscores ongoing struggles with Ferrari’s simulator and car setup. He qualified sixth, a notable improvement from previous sessions, yet he expressed discomfort with this position.
Hamilton stated, “I don’t feel comfortable in P6; it is not where I want to be, so naturally, I am not happy.” This sentiment reflects his challenges adapting to the SF-26 and utilizing Ferrari’s simulator effectively.
During the weekend, Ferrari introduced 11 upgrades aimed at enhancing performance. Despite these modifications, Hamilton criticized the simulator for leading him astray regarding car setup. He mentioned that he might reduce simulator running due to its negative impact on his performance.
In terms of qualifying metrics, Hamilton managed to close the gap to pole position by five tenths of a second, marking a slight improvement compared to earlier sessions where he had a larger deficit. He acknowledged that while there was progress made in adjustments, he remained ultimately unhappy with his sixth-place finish.
Looking ahead to the race, Hamilton expressed optimism about better performance under potentially wet conditions. He remarked, “I’m expecting tomorrow the car to feel a lot better, but it’s going to be wet… hopefully we should be in a good place.” This expectation suggests that rain could provide an opportunity for him to capitalize on improved handling and strategy.
The implications of Hamilton’s struggles are significant as they highlight both personal challenges and broader team dynamics within Ferrari. As the season progresses, how well he adapts to these changes will be crucial for his competitive standing.
As News-UK's Sports News Writer, Oscar Pennington reports on rugby union, golf and boxing for readers across the country. He built a reputation for sharp explainer pieces on regional sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Oscar lives in Nottingham, where he follows the pro golf tour and amateur boxing. “Context is what turns a result into a story.”
