Lewis Hamilton says 2026 title bid effectively over after Madrid DNF and brake issue
Hamilton reported a brake-pedal issue during the opening laps that forced retirement; his frank assessment increases focus on Mercedes’ intra-team title battle and the practical end of Hamilton’s challenge this year.
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Hamilton reported 'no brakes' to his engineer and was instructed to return to the pits.
He clipped the barrier after the brake pedal behaviour deteriorated, then retired to the garage.
The DNF left Hamilton 101 points adrift of championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
Hamilton described Antonelli and Mercedes’ season as 'phenomenal' and acknowledged the title race is now unrealistic for him.
His remarks shift narrative toward Mercedes’ dominance and the intra-team battle between Antonelli and George Russell.
No team statement about long-term brake reliability issues was published in the sources.