Lewis Hamilton Says First Ferrari F1 Pole “takes me back to watching Michael”

Hamilton Ends Ferrari Qualifying Drought with Blistering Mexico Lap

Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton delivered a masterclass in qualifying to claim pole position for the Mexico City Grand Prix. Clocking a blistering final effort, Hamilton edged his former Mercedes teammate George Russell by a mere 0.009 seconds. The result secured Hamilton’s first grand prix pole position since joining Ferrari, while his teammate Charles Leclerc completed the top three on the grid to solidify a formidable starting position for the Italian outfit.

Speaking in the post-qualifying press conference, Hamilton admitted it had been so long that he could barely remember his last pole.

It’s been a long time since I think I’ve sat in this spot. I don’t really remember the last time I had a pole. And like embarking on this journey with Ferrari and all the challenges and ups and downs we’ve had.

Channeling Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari Legacy

Hamilton highlighted that clinching his maiden pole with Ferrari resonated deeply on a personal level, evoking childhood memories of Michael Schumacher’s iconic reign with the Maranello team. Schumacher claimed five consecutive drivers’ championships with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004, setting a benchmark of seven world titles that Hamilton eventually matched in 2020 while driving for Mercedes.

Hamilton said the result was a reward for the faith Ferrari had shown in him, and that it carried extra meaning because of the team’s history with Schumacher.

I think just my belief in this team, I think the opportunity that they’re giving me and the belief that they’ve put and faith they’ve put in me also. It feels great to be able to reward them with a pole.

And to have your first Ferrari pole, I mean, jeez, it just takes me back to watching Michael get all those pole positions when he was with Ferrari, and all those wins. So it’s very, very special.

Overcoming Friday Setbacks at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez

The landmark qualifying performance came in the wake of a compromised practice program on Friday. Hamilton was forced to pull off the circuit during Free Practice 2 (FP2) due to a stoppage, preventing him from completing vital high-fuel long runs. Despite entering qualifying with less data than the rest of the field, the British driver systematically worked through his setup challenges to deliver when it mattered most.

Obviously, when the car stopped on track and we lost the long run that everyone got to do, but just continuing to hold on to that hope that one day we’ll get back on the front row and to P1 once we dialled the car in, Hamilton said.

It was a really, really clean lap. I needed it because I mean Charles, I think, was three or four tenths up the road from the first run, and that’s quite a big deficit to close on your last lap, but I knew areas that I could improve on.

Hamilton has never started from pole position at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in previous visits, and he remains fully aware of the defensive challenge that awaits him off the starting line.

It’s obviously a really long way down to Turn 1. I don’t think I’ve ever been on pole here before, he added.

Why This Matters

Hamilton’s first pole position in Ferrari colors represents a significant personal and sporting breakthrough. After enduring a difficult first season with Ferrari in 2025—during which he had yet to score a grand prix podium—the achievement confirms his status as a pole-sitter across three separate teams: McLaren, Mercedes, and now Ferrari.

Heading into Sunday’s race, the championship implications are immediate. Hamilton arrived in Mexico sitting third in the drivers’ championship standings, trailing Russell by just a single point. Starting ahead of his former teammate offers Ferrari and Hamilton an ideal strategic opportunity to overturn that deficit and convert one-lap speed into their first race victory together, although the prolonged slipstream run down to Turn 1 in Mexico City presents one of the most demanding starts on the Formula 1 calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Formula 1 teams has Lewis Hamilton taken pole position for?

With his qualifying triumph in Mexico City, Hamilton has secured pole positions for three different constructors throughout his Formula 1 career: McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari.

What challenges did Hamilton face before qualifying in Mexico?

Hamilton endured a major setback during Friday’s Free Practice 2 (FP2) session when his car stopped on track. The issue prevented him from completing his planned high-fuel long-run simulations ahead of the weekend’s competitive sessions.

What are the standings between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell?

Entering the Mexico City Grand Prix, Hamilton occupied third place in the drivers’ standings, sitting just one point behind George Russell.