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Hamilton Takes Ferrari-Best P2 in Canada, Secures 2027 Deal

5/26/2026

Summary

Hamilton Claims Podium

Lewis Hamilton finished second at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, his best result for Ferrari.
He started fifth, passed Oscar Piastri for fourth and later overtook Max Verstappen to claim P2.
Hamilton out-qualified Charles Leclerc, who finished fourth 34 seconds behind, and confirmed a 2027 Ferrari contract with an option for 2028.
Hamilton skipped Ferrari’s simulator for Canada, as he also did in China, the two podium races.

Summary

Hamilton Takes Podium

Hamilton podiumed after McLaren's intermediate-tyre start and Russell's power-unit failure removed front-row rivals.
Hamilton said 2026 hybrid rules make overtaking ten times harder, forcing constant battery balance.
Telemetry showed Hamilton raised electrical output on the hairpin-to-T13 straight but still lagged Verstappen in straight-line power.
Ferrari disclosed a development package and plans upgrades to close the power-unit gap, while Verstappen called the rules “very anti-racing” and urged FIA 2027 engine-change reforms.

History

Historical Context

In 2014 the FIA mandated 1.6-litre V6 turbo-hybrid power units, limiting total output to about 1,000 hp and introducing the MGU-H, which was removed for the 2026 rule set. Hamilton’s 2024 Ferrari podium in Montreal shows how hybrid development by Mercedes and Red Bull and the 2026-2027 tighter component limits, including a 470 bhp electrical cap, still shape the championship battle.

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Hamilton Claims Podium

Lewis Hamilton finished second at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, his best result for Ferrari.
He started fifth, passed Oscar Piastri for fourth and later overtook Max Verstappen to claim P2.
Hamilton out-qualified Charles Leclerc, who finished fourth 34 seconds behind, and confirmed a 2027 Ferrari contract with an option for 2028.
Hamilton skipped Ferrari’s simulator for Canada, as he also did in China, the two podium races.

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