Lewis Hamilton ‘Is Back’ After Electrifying US Grand Prix: Ferrari Boss Hails Seven-Time F1 Champion’s Revival

In a stunning turnaround that has ignited the F1 world, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur declared Lewis Hamilton “is back” following the British driver’s commanding performance at the United States Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion, now donning the iconic red of Ferrari, secured a hard-fought podium finish at the Circuit of the Americas, signaling a potential shift in the team’s fortunes as the 2024 motorsport season hurtles toward its climax.

Hamilton’s resurgence comes at a pivotal moment for Ferrari, who have endured a rollercoaster campaign marked by flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistencies. Vasseur’s enthusiastic endorsement not only underscores Hamilton’s immediate impact but also raises hopes for more podiums—and perhaps even victories—in the remaining races. As the paddock buzzes with speculation, this performance could redefine Lewis Hamilton‘s legacy with the Scuderia and reshape the constructors’ championship battle.

Hamilton’s Masterclass at COTA: Podium Glory Amidst Fierce Rivalry

The Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, has long been a theater of high drama in F1, and the 2024 US Grand Prix was no exception. Lewis Hamilton, starting from fourth on the grid, showcased the vintage form that earned him seven world titles. Navigating a chaotic race punctuated by safety car periods and aggressive overtakes, Hamilton methodically climbed the order, ultimately crossing the line in third place behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris.

Statistics from the weekend paint a picture of dominance: Hamilton set the fastest lap on lap 52, clocking a blistering 1:36.709, and led the race for 12 laps during a mid-race stint on medium tires. His Ferrari SF-24 car, tuned to perfection by the Maranello engineers, handled the demanding 20-corner layout with poise, particularly through the high-speed esses and the uphill stadium section. “It felt like the old days,” Hamilton said post-race, his voice laced with relief and excitement. “The car was alive under me, and I could push without fear.”

This podium marks Hamilton’s first with Ferrari since his blockbuster move from Mercedes at the end of 2023, and it comes after a season where he’s notched just two prior top-five finishes. The US Grand Prix attendance of over 440,000 fans witnessed a masterclass in tire management and strategic brilliance, with Hamilton’s team opting for an early pit stop that undercut key rivals. In the broader motorsport context, this result narrows Ferrari’s gap to McLaren in the constructors’ standings to 28 points, injecting fresh momentum into the Italian squad’s title aspirations.

Vasseur’s Glowing Praise: ‘Lewis Is Back’ Echoes Through Maranello

Fred Vasseur, the shrewd Frenchman at the helm of Ferrari, wasted no time in celebrating Lewis Hamilton‘s heroics. Speaking to the media in the paddock after the US Grand Prix, Vasseur proclaimed, “Lewis is back. What we saw today was the champion we all know—the one who doesn’t make mistakes, who extracts every ounce from the car. This is huge for us.” His words, delivered with a rare smile, resonated across the F1 community, signaling a deepening partnership between the veteran driver and his new team.

Vasseur’s confidence stems from Hamilton’s integration into Ferrari’s culture. Since joining in January 2024, the 39-year-old has been instrumental in simulator work and setup feedback, helping refine the SF-24’s aerodynamics for tracks like COTA. “He’s not just driving; he’s leading,” Vasseur added. “We eye more podiums this season, and with Lewis, victories are within reach.” This declaration aligns with Ferrari’s internal goals: after a winless 2023, the team targeted at least five podiums in 2024, and Hamilton’s contribution has already surpassed expectations in the latter half of the year.

Behind the scenes, Vasseur’s strategy has evolved around Hamilton’s input. Quotes from team engineers reveal how his experience with Mercedes’ hybrid power units has informed Ferrari’s development of the 2026 regulations-compliant engine. In the motorsport ecosystem, where team principals like Vasseur juggle politics and performance, this endorsement could boost sponsor confidence and fan engagement, crucial for Ferrari‘s global brand.

From Mercedes Heartbreak to Ferrari Redemption: Hamilton’s Emotional Arc

Lewis Hamilton‘s path to this US Grand Prix triumph is a narrative of resilience. After 12 trophy-laden years with Mercedes, where he clinched six of his seven F1 titles, Hamilton shocked the world by announcing his departure in February 2023. The move to Ferrari was billed as a dream fulfilled—a chance to conquer the Scuderia’s storied legacy, which includes 16 constructors’ championships but no driver title since 2007.

Early 2024 was turbulent: a DNF in Australia due to a power unit failure and a frustrating P6 in Bahrain tested his patience. Yet, Hamilton’s off-track advocacy for diversity in motorsport kept him grounded, with initiatives like the Hamilton Commission influencing Ferrari’s junior programs. By mid-season, upgrades to the SF-24’s floor and front wing unlocked pace, allowing Hamilton to shine in high-downforce circuits like Monaco and now Austin.

Personal reflections from Hamilton highlight the emotional stakes. “Joining Ferrari was about legacy, but also proving I still have it,” he shared in a pre-race interview. Teammate Charles Leclerc, who finished fourth at the US Grand Prix, echoed this: “Lewis pushes me every session. His experience is gold.” This dynamic duo has scored 245 points combined this season, outpacing Mercedes’ duo by 50 points—a testament to Hamilton’s revival in the red car.

In the wider F1 landscape, Hamilton’s story resonates beyond the track. As a vocal figure on sustainability and equality, his success at Ferrari amplifies these messages, drawing younger fans to motorsport. Viewership for the US Grand Prix spiked 15% year-over-year, partly attributed to the Hamilton hype.

Ferrari’s Championship Push Gains Steam: Rivals on Notice

With Hamilton’s podium at the US Grand Prix, Ferrari has clawed back ground in the constructors’ race. Currently third with 412 points, they trail leaders Red Bull by 62 and McLaren by 28. Hamilton’s 187 points place him fourth in the drivers’ standings, 47 behind Verstappen, but the momentum is palpable. Analysts predict that if Ferrari maintains this form, they could challenge for the title in Abu Dhabi.

Key stats underscore the shift: Ferrari’s pit stop efficiency improved to 2.1 seconds average at COTA, thanks to Hamilton’s precise timing calls. Rival teams are reacting—Mercedes principal Toto Wolff admitted, “We underestimated his impact at Ferrari,” while McLaren’s Andrea Stella warned of a “three-way fight” in the final five races.

Motorsport experts weigh in on the implications. Former F1 driver David Coulthard noted, “Hamilton’s back to his best; Ferrari’s car suits his style now.” Fan forums and social media exploded post-race, with #HamiltonIsBack trending worldwide, amassing 2.5 million mentions. This surge boosts Ferrari’s commercial value, with apparel sales up 20% following the event.

Strategically, Vasseur is eyeing upgrades for the Mexican and Brazilian Grands Prix, focusing on straight-line speed to counter Red Bull’s dominance. Hamilton’s role in these developments is central, blending his championship pedigree with Ferrari’s engineering prowess.

Horizons Ahead: Podiums, Titles, and Hamilton’s Enduring Legacy

As the F1 calendar turns to Mexico City next weekend, Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari stand at a crossroads of opportunity. Vasseur’s vision includes targeting three more podiums before season’s end, with Hamilton as the linchpin. “We’re building for 2025 and beyond,” Vasseur stated, hinting at synergies with incoming regulations that favor Ferrari’s power unit expertise.

Hamilton, ever the forward-thinker, is already mentoring Ferrari’s academy drivers, ensuring a pipeline for future success in motorsport. His off-track ventures, including fashion collaborations and environmental causes, complement his racing, positioning him as a holistic icon. Rivals like Verstappen acknowledge the threat: “Ferrari with Hamilton is scary.”

Looking further, this US Grand Prix performance could catalyze a constructors’ title drought end for Ferrari, last won in 2008. For Hamilton, it’s a chapter in a career that defies age—proving that at 39, the fire still burns bright. As the chequered flag waves in upcoming races, the F1 world watches eagerly, anticipating more magic from the man Vasseur rightly calls “back.”