Riccardo Patrese: I loved it when Lewis Hamilton shut down retirement rumours

After a difficult first season with Ferrari and a stop-start beginning to 2026, the 41-year-old Briton finally looked relaxed, competitive and confident again. For Riccardo Patrese, the signs coming out of Montreal suggest Hamilton's revival may only just be beginning.

The former Grand Prix winner was particularly encouraged by Hamilton's response when asked about retirement before the Canadian weekend. Rather than entertain speculation about his future, Hamilton made it clear he intends to remain in Formula 1 for years to come. Patrese believes that mindset could have a direct impact on performance.

"What I liked very much was when journalists before the race were asking whether he was going to retire at the end of the season, he said: 'Forget it. You will see me for at least another five years.' So that means that he needs that he doesn't want to leave and if he is enjoying himself that can mean good performances," reckoned the Italian motorsport veteran.

Patrese sees a driver who remains fully motivated despite the challenges he has faced since joining Ferrari. He believes Hamilton's enthusiasm is returning and that the combination of confidence, enjoyment and improved machinery could help unlock the form that made him one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history.

Hamilton's improved performances have coincided with Ferrari's strongest run of the season. While Mercedes remains unbeaten after five races, Ferrari has steadily emerged as its closest challenger. Patrese admits the Scuderia's recent form has exceeded his expectations: "Ferrari surprised me. I didn't expect them to be as good as they look at the moment."

According to Patrese, Ferrari's strength lies in the overall balance of the car rather than outright engine performance. He believes the chassis is among the best on the grid and has already shown enough promise to put Ferrari in contention at circuits that suit its characteristics.

"They look a little bit behind from an engine perspective, but apart from that they have a nice car. In the corners, the car is the best along with Mercedes and McLaren. The chassis is good. Maybe if they continue to improve, they can really start to challenge again."

Patrese also cautioned that Ferrari's task remains difficult because Mercedes is unlikely to stand still. Kimi Antonelli has won four races in succession, George Russell won the season opener, and the reigning championship leaders continue to develop at a rapid rate. Even so, Patrese expects the battle at the front to become increasingly intense as Formula 1 returns to Europe.

"But the fact is that Mercedes can go also move forward with new updates. If you are behind you try very hard to catch the leader and the leader has to fight harder not to be caught.

"Now they come back to Europe with a more steady pace, there are a lot of things boiling up!"

The Monaco Grand Prix may provide Ferrari with its best opportunity yet to challenge Mercedes. The unique nature of the circuit places enormous emphasis on chassis performance, traction and driver confidence, reducing the importance of outright engine power. Those characteristics could play directly into Ferrari's hands.

Patrese believes Ferrari may arrive in Monte Carlo with the strongest overall package. He pointed to the team's responsiveness off the line and the quality of its chassis: "At this moment, I think Ferrari will be the best in Monaco.

"Everybody says that the Ferrari engine seems to be a little bit better. Also, usually they start better, they go away from the grid a little bit better and that probably is because they have better response less turbo lag, so a better response."

If Ferrari can maximise those strengths in qualifying, Patrese believes the Scuderia can become Mercedes' biggest threat: "If this is the case, they are going to have an advantage and having a good chassis, Ferrari could be the real challenge to Mercedes.

"If that is the case, we have Leclerc in his home city, and we know that he loves it. We have Lewis coming back from Canada with the smile," added Patrese who also sees a compelling storyline developing around both drivers, with Leclerc returning to his home race and Hamilton arriving fresh from his strongest weekend since joining Ferrari.

Riccardo Patrese was speaking to F1 Hospitality provider Vision4Sport, who have teamed up with BWT Alpine to offer an exclusive Monaco yacht experience