Lewis Hamilton offered boost in search to end F1 podium drought

Jolyon Palmer believes Lewis Hamilton has his “mojo back” following a slight upturn in form of late.

Hamilton has largely endured a difficult maiden season with Ferrari this year, having joined the team following his successful 12-year stint at Mercedes.

However, the seven-time champion is still awaiting his first podium finish with the Italian squad.

While positive results have been few and far between this year, he scored fourth in the USA and looked in contention for a top-three finish last time out in Mexico before a 10-second time penalty derailed his grand prix.

Although the year will largely be remembered as a disappointing one for Hamilton, Palmer has spotted recent positives.

“That gap in qualifying has come down a lot as the year has gone on,” he told the F1 Nation podcast. 

“Even if it was still Leclerc ahead of Hamilton on the grid, it was very close in Mexico as well.

“He’s got a bit of mojo back from nowhere, having had that really tough run.

“The fact that the cars got a bit more competitive, he can sense that the podium is not too far away.

“He’s going to be just trying desperately to get ahead of Leclerc and trying to see out the year with a podium and anything more is a bonus.”

Hamilton will return to the cockpit this weekend in Brazil, a location he has won at three times in the past and where he receives great support from the local crowd.

Palmer has faith that Hamilton’s affection for Interlagos will provide him a benchmark to enjoy a successful weekend.

“He loves it, he's always enjoyed Brazil. Even the legendary 2021 year when he had the fight with Max.

“But he's always gone really well. Obviously, it's his first year with Ferrari there, so he'll be hoping that this is a chance for him to get ahead of Charles on the grid.