Hamilton Says Rivals Are Trying To Retire Him As He Eyes The Canadian Grand Prix With Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton heads into the Canadian Grand Prix under pressure but also with strong memories of success. The Ferrari driver says some people want to see a retirement decision, yet Hamilton insists the long-term plan in Formula 1 continues, even as the wait for a first Ferrari victory goes on.

The seven-time champion moved from Mercedes to Ferrari ahead of the 2026 season, but the partnership has not produced a win yet. Hamilton last stood on the top step at the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix. Since joining Ferrari, Hamilton’s standout result has been a first podium for the team in China earlier in 2026.

Results in 2026 show consistent points but not domination. Hamilton finished fourth in Australia and then third in China. Sixth place followed in both Japan and Miami. Those scores place Hamilton fifth in the Drivers’ Championship, tied on 51 points with Lando Norris but behind leader Kimi Antonelli.

Canada now offers Hamilton one of the most promising chances to break that run. No driver has more victories at the Canadian Grand Prix than Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, with seven wins each. An eighth Montreal success would also match Hamilton’s second-best tally at one venue, alongside eight wins already secured in Hungary.

Hamilton’s connection with Montreal runs deep, as this track delivered a first Formula 1 win. That breakthrough came in 2007, in only Hamilton’s sixth race of a debut season with McLaren. The Canadian circuit therefore carries both emotional value and historical importance for the 41-year-old Ferrari driver.

Reflecting on that early career landmark, Hamilton recalled the pressure and internal team battle against Fernando Alonso. Hamilton highlighted how fuel strategies often favoured Alonso in the opening races. Once the fuel loads became equal, Hamilton immediately turned that opportunity into pole position and the maiden victory that changed the trajectory of the rookie campaign.

"Jeez, it was only my sixth race in Formula 1," said Hamilton when reflecting on the moment. "First time coming to Montreal, being a rookie to a world champion was toughFernando [Alonso] was so fast. But I was so competitive, I couldn't accept being second; I wanted to win. The first five races, in the fuel error, they would always give Fernando the lowest fuel, so it felt like I had to work twice as hard to be ahead of him. And I pushed so hard to get equal fuel, like give me a chance, and I'll show you what I can do. So they gave us equal fuel, and I took pole and won. I fought for what I believed in, and the rest was history."

Hamilton mindset and Canadian Grand Prix build-up in Formula 1

Hamilton also addressed speculation about how much longer the Ferrari spell or Formula 1 career might last. "There's a lot of people that are trying to retire me, and that's not even all my thoughts. I'm already thinking of what will be next, and planning for, like, the next five years. But I still plan to be here for some time."

Beyond Hamilton, several names stand out heading into Montreal, especially for fans following the title race. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leads the standings and is chasing more milestones. Team-mate George Russell arrives with strong Canadian qualifying form and the confidence of winning the 2025 race at this circuit.

Canadian Grand Prix contenders and Formula 1 qualifying trends

Nineteen-year-old Kimi Antonelli has started the 2026 season in commanding fashion. The Mercedes driver sits on 100 points and has claimed pole position at each of the last three races. Among Italian drivers in Formula 1, only Alberto Ascari has taken four consecutive poles, achieved across the 1952 German and 1953 Argentine Grands Prix.

Antonelli is also close to a rare winning streak for an Italian driver. If Antonelli triumphs again in Canada, Antonelli would become only the second Italian to record four straight Formula 1 victories. Ascari remains the reference, with seven wins in succession between the 1952 Belgian Grand Prix and the 1953 Argentine Grand Prix.

George Russell form and Canadian Grand Prix records in Formula 1

George Russell continues to show consistent performance for Mercedes across both qualifying and races. Russell has secured pole position at the Canadian Grand Prix in each of the last two editions. One more pole in Montreal would place Russell alongside Schumacher, Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel with three straight poles at this event.

The British driver is also on a long scoring run. Russell has finished in the points for the last 20 Formula 1 races. That sequence is the best so far in Russell’s career and currently the longest active streak on the grid. Russell also won the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, although Russell has never taken victory twice at the same circuit.

Championship picture before the Canadian Grand Prix in Formula 1

The current championship order underlines the strength of Mercedes at this stage of 2026. Both Antonelli and Russell occupy the top two positions, while Ferrari and McLaren follow in the chase. Hamilton shares fifth place in the Drivers’ standings with Lando Norris, which highlights how tight the battle behind Antonelli remains.

Drivers’ standings ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix show the main contenders and gaps:

The Constructors’ standings before the Canadian Grand Prix further reflect the early-season pattern. Mercedes hold a clear lead, while Ferrari and McLaren contest second place. Red Bull and Alpine follow at a distance. The spread suggests one strong favourite, with close competition among the chasing teams still shaping the rest of the season.

As the Canadian Grand Prix approaches, focus rests on Hamilton’s search for a first Ferrari win and Antonelli’s pursuit of more records. Russell’s form adds another storyline at a track where Russell has already succeeded. With Mercedes leading both championships, Montreal could either extend control or offer Ferrari and McLaren a route back.