Lewis Hamilton and Almave, the non-alcoholic blue agave brand he helped establish, have jointly published an open letter that reflects on the experiences of 2025 while also setting their sights firmly on the future. The message looks back on a challenging year and emphasizes the importance of reflection as a foundation for growth and renewal.

In the letter, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion underlines the value of taking time to slow down and evaluate both successes and setbacks.

According to Hamilton, meaningful progress can only be made by recognizing defining moments and using them as lessons for what lies ahead.

This sentiment carries particular weight given the difficulties he faced during his first season racing for Ferrari, a year that fell far short of expectations for both the driver and the iconic Italian team.

Hamilton’s debut campaign with the Scuderia proved to be one of the most demanding of his illustrious career. For the first time since entering Formula 1, the British driver failed to secure a single podium finish across an entire season. This unprecedented statistic highlighted just how far the team struggled to compete at the front of the grid. Throughout the year, Hamilton was frequently outpaced by his teammate Charles Leclerc, adding further pressure and scrutiny to his performances.

Much of the blame lay with the SF-25, a car that never lived up to its intended potential. It lacked consistency, pace, and balance, making it difficult for either driver to extract competitive results. However, despite the technical shortcomings, Hamilton himself did not escape criticism. At 40 years old, the veteran racer often appeared unable to adapt fully to the car’s limitations, and his on-track performances sometimes failed to match the high standards he had set throughout his career.

Off the track, Hamilton’s demeanor reflected the frustrations of the season. In interviews with the media, he frequently came across as disappointed and drained, openly acknowledging the emotional toll of such a challenging year. The combination of uncompetitive machinery, unmet expectations, and constant comparison to his younger teammate contributed to a sense of disillusionment that was difficult to hide.

Yet the open letter is not rooted in negativity. Instead, it signals a shift in mindset. Looking ahead to 2026, Hamilton speaks about reconnecting with joy, passion, and curiosity — qualities that originally drew him to racing. He suggests that rediscovering these emotions is essential, not only for personal fulfillment but also for continued growth as an athlete and individual.

While Ferrari supporters were given little to celebrate during the 2025 season, anticipation remains high for what the future could hold. The introduction of entirely new Formula 1 regulations in 2026 offers a clean slate for teams and drivers alike. For Ferrari, it represents an opportunity to rebuild and reassert itself as a championship contender. For Hamilton, it may provide the fresh start he needs to reignite his competitive fire.

There is already significant intrigue surrounding how the partnership between Hamilton and Ferrari will evolve under the new rules. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see whether the legendary driver can once again compete at the highest level and whether the Scuderia can deliver a car worthy of his talent. Despite the setbacks of the past year, the sense of possibility remains strong, driven by change, reflection, and the hope of redemption.