Eddie Irvine has expressed reservations about claims that Lewis Hamilton has rediscovered his form in F1 2026.
Irvine’s comments come after Hamilton secured a podium finish for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix. The venue is one where Hamilton holds the record for the most wins, with six.
Despite the podium, Irvine believes that Charles Leclerc “outclassed” Hamilton, leading him to hold back on declaring Hamilton’s full return to form.
Leclerc’s Performance Under Scrutiny
Irvine, a former Ferrari driver himself, shared his views with La Gazzetta dello Sport when asked if he thought Hamilton had regained his form.
“I wouldn’t take that for granted,” Irvine stated.
He acknowledged Hamilton’s podium finish in China, but pointed out that it’s a circuit where Hamilton has historically performed well. Irvine added, “In Japan, however, he was outclassed by Charles Leclerc throughout the weekend.”
Ferrari’s Overall Position
There is no doubt that Ferrari, as a collective, is in a stronger place at the start of Formula 1’s new era.
While Mercedes has won all three grands prix thus far, Ferrari has applied pressure, and the F1 2026 development war is expected to be fierce.
Irvine was asked whether he believes Ferrari could challenge for title glory this year.
“It’s always very difficult for the Scuderia,” said Irvine. “The problem is the distance from the heart of the F1 world, which is the UK.
“Compared to last year, though, I think they can secure at least one victory.”
Shanghai Success Versus Suzuka Struggles
Irvine raises a valid point by highlighting Shanghai as Hamilton’s track; he won the Chinese GP Sprint race in 2025, one of few highlights in his first Ferrari season.
It is also true that Leclerc had the measure of Hamilton at Suzuka.
But one could go back to the season opener in Melbourne, where Hamilton hounded Leclerc to the chequered flag, as an example of the seven-time World Champion looking impressive outside of Shanghai.
Hamilton felt that he proved in China that he can still compete at the front. It is simply a case of time will tell in F1 2026 how true that is.