Coulthard believes Hamilton has a genuine shot at 2026 title

David Coulthard, a former Formula 1 driver and current commentator, believes Lewis Hamilton is performing at his peak and could contend for the 2026 World Championship. This assessment follows Hamilton's significant victory for Ferrari at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

Hamilton's win in Barcelona marked a strong performance, overcoming rivals and solidifying his return to form after a challenging start to his tenure with the Italian team. Coulthard expressed admiration for Hamilton's resurgence, noting that the driver has regained his competitive spirit.

Coulthard highlighted Hamilton's current second position in the Drivers' Championship as evidence of his potential. He pointed to Max Verstappen's comeback in the latter half of the 2025 season as a precedent for drivers overcoming significant point deficits, suggesting Hamilton could mount a similar challenge.

"The sport tells us the performances, and that was world-class," Coulthard stated, emphasizing the quality of Hamilton's recent drives. The win also boosted Ferrari's standing in the Constructors' Championship.