'Next five races are like test races' – Hamilton outlines Ferrari's objectives in Mexico and beyond

Lewis Hamilton believes ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix this weekend that the "next five races are like test races", as the Briton pushes Ferrari to build a car capable of challenging for next year's titles.

Hamilton has enjoyed a strong sophomore season with the Scuderia, which has included victory at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix as well as five further podiums.

Along with team mate Charles Leclerc, Hamilton has helped Ferrari up to second in the teams' standings, but with Red Bull closing quickly due primarily to Max Verstappen's two race wins in quick succession.

"I think these next five races are like test races," said Hamilton during Thursday's media day in Mexico City.

"Of course, we want to hold on to second in the Constructors’ Championship, but this is a time for us to really look at how the season has gone and continue working on and modifying our processes. I think we’ve already done that, and things have gotten to a better place.

"For me, I’m really focused right now on next year’s car, looking at the good things from this year and making sure we don’t lose them, but instead add to the chassis. And then, of course, in the background, I’m pushing as hard as I can to make sure we come with a power unit that can compete with Mercedes and Red Bull.

"Of course, I would love for us to finish on a high. I think the team deserves it, and everyone at the factory deserves it. We’ll be trying to get the absolute best and most out of every weekend."

Ferrari's 2026 challenger is considered one of the best on the grid through the corners, but has struggled to compete with the power units from Mercedes and Red Bull.

Hamilton believes this is the primary area that the team needs to focus on for the remainder of the season and ahead of 2027 if they are to challenge for the title.

"I think the engine is probably number one [priority]. We’ve got reliability, which is good. But if we were matching the power of the others, we would be fighting for the championship this year, which we know," said Hamilton.

"So rectifying that and closing the gap is important. I know everyone is working flat out at the factory to try to do that, and I trust them completely in that process. It won’t be easy, but it’s possible.

"And then with the car, you always want more downforce. You’re always looking for a wider window in which the car works better. At the moment, it’s quite narrow. When you get it right, it’s good, but it’s very narrow, and you’re in and out of it."