Hamilton hints the best is yet to come: This is a new beginning

After almost two years at Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton has finally claimed his first pole position for the team and believes it will certainly not be his last. He says the Mexican Grand Prix could mark another important milestone in his career. Hamilton is talking about the start of an entirely new chapter in his racing career.

Only four drivers in Formula 1 history have taken pole position at an older age than Lewis Hamilton: Giuseppe Farina, Juan Manuel Fangio, Jack Brabham and, at the 1982 Italian Grand Prix, Mario Andretti. Hamilton moved into fifth on that list at the age of 41 years, nine months and 25 days.

“I feel like it’s the beginning of something new in my life,” said Lewis Hamilton, brimming with enthusiasm and energy to continue his pursuit of the world title into the 2027 season. “Still being in F1 doing so well, fighting with these youngsters around me who are in their 20s… I feel great in body and mind, and that’s thanks to my family and my fans. Mexico is a place for new beginnings.”

Ferrari fans deserve a reward after years of waiting. A strong end to the season and Hamilton’s success could give them something to look forward to. “To have your first Ferrari pole, I mean, jeez, it just takes me back to watching Michael [Schumacher] get all those pole positions when he was at Ferrari and all those wins. So, it’s very, very special.”

Hamilton’s and Alonso’s performances can also be considered exceptional. They are competing on the same track against youngsters half their age. Kimi Antonelli is not even 21 yet and will probably be celebrating a world title on Sunday.

“When there’s a will there’s a way! It’s all in the mind for all of us. You might feel aches and pains, luckily I don’t. That love is not gone. I wake up every day thinking about it, I dream about it,” he said of his ultimate ambitions.

Hamilton: I don’t really remember the last time I had a pole!

Ferrari had a difficult summer. Its drivers had to contend not only with a drop in performance but also with the gradual loss of hope that this might finally be their year. After the race in Barcelona, everyone had been full of optimism.

“We just held on to that belief that one day we will get back on to the front row and P1,” Hamilton continued after claiming a record-extending 105th pole position. “It was a really clean lap — I needed it because Charles was three-tenths up the road. But I knew areas I could improve on.”

That was particularly true of the second sector. On his first flying lap in Q3, he missed an apex there and lost time, but he ultimately put it all together. “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!” admitted the Stevenage-born driver.

“Honestly, I knew all weekend that I had the pace to be on pole, but these sessions were just up and down. Obviously, Charles was very, very quick. I think the key is getting the tyres working,” said Hamilton. Leclerc admitted after qualifying that his preparation laps had not been quite right.

The downside of pole position

Starting from pole position in Mexico is usually something of a mixed blessing, with the first corner 830 metres away. Drivers behind can pick up a slipstream and take the lead more easily than at other circuits. Ferrari, however, has an ace up its sleeve: strong starts and a smaller turbo, which should help in the thinner air.

“It is a long way down to Turn One — I don’t think I have ever been on pole here. I think the others have a new tyre for the start but to have pole here, it feels special to be here in Mexico and [pole position] 105, I like that number,” he said with a smile.