Lewis Hamilton is enjoying "one of the most important years" for his Formula One legacy, according to former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa.

The seven-time world champion is currently second in the Drivers' Championship, 41 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli after the opening seven races of the 2026 season.

Hamilton is enjoying a fine season – in what is his second year with Ferrari – and was victorious in Barcelona-Catalunya last time out, ending a 41-race wait for a victory.

And 2008 championship runner-up Massa, who drove for Ferrari between 2006 and 2013, believes the 41-year-old's strong performances have come at a crucial time in his career.

"I think that this year is one of the most important years for Lewis, to be able to feel that he's competitive," Massa told Stats Perform.

"When you are 100% competitive, you know what you're doing, and you have the team really believing in you – that's the best that a driver can have. I think Lewis didn't have that anymore until the beginning of the season.

"So, that's why what's happening this year is one of the most important things for his career: to be able to win, to be able to feel happy again, and to be able to show that he still can race at the top level in Formula One.

Hamilton is 40 points clear of team-mate Charles Leclerc, though Massa believes the pair should focus on working together as a team, rather than competing to be the best driver.

"Well, I think not yet," he said when asked if Hamilton had become Ferrari's main driver. "Also, because I don't believe Ferrari needs to have a number one driver now. I think they need to fight with both drivers, because another team is doing a much better job with both drivers.

"So, at the end, they really need to work as a team. They need to work to give the best for both drivers to achieve everything they can in a short period of time and then, after, to understand which way the championship is going.

"I really don't believe they need to do that because, if they do that, they just split and cut the team in the middle, and I think that's not positive for anything."

Massa thinks Hamilton's impressive season to date will increase his motivation to continue his search for world title number eight, but also believes he and another Formula One great should have one eye on the next step.

"For sure, for a driver and for sport, it's very difficult to stop," the Brazilian continued. "You really need to have your mind open to stop, and already thinking about what you're going to do after you finish your career in Formula One.

"If Lewis does have a really good championship, I'm 100% sure he will carry on for next year. But then I believe if I am in his position, I will think about stopping, which is the same for Fernando Alonso.

"For me, Alonso has passed his perfect timing in terms of age of Formula One. So if I am also Fernando, I will leave, and I will stop Formula One career at the end of the year, and I will keep racing but in another championship."