The seven-time world champion is recharged and ready to kick-start his Ferrari career
LEWIS HAMILTON has addressed his fans to kick off 2026 after his difficult debut season with Ferrari.
The 41-year-old has posted on Instagram promising to never forget who he is again as he prepares for the start of the new Formula 1 season in two months’ time.
Hamilton said: “Another return. I’m incredibly grateful for this break. Time to disconnect, recharge and find a bit of inner peace. Time with family and friends.
“Replenishing with rest and good laughs has been everything I needed after a very draining year.
“In a world that moves so fast, where we’re constantly being pulled in so many directions, truly disconnecting has been the most amazing feeling.
“I’m conscious that we’re entering the Year of the Horse and leaving behind the Year of the Snake.
“The time for change is now. Starting new routines, leaving behind unwanted patterns and working on growth.
“Let go of things that don’t serve you. This can take time. There will be things you can’t get rid of immediately, but it starts with the first step.
“Even though the world can seem like a mess, I hope that you’re staying focused on living life to the fullest.
“Be you and never forget who you are. I learnt that from many of you who told me this in 2025, and I’ll never forget again!
“Your support means the world to me, and I’m here for you, too. You are never alone. Let’s take it one day at a time, one step at a time.”
While Hamilton’s move to Ferrari made headlines everywhere, the results on the track did not follow the hype.
For the first time in Hamilton’s 19-season career, he failed to collect a single Grand Prix podium.
He did win the sprint ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix over the second race weekend, but that was the only high point to speak of.
His 12-year stint with Mercedes yielded seven world titles, but there were issues at Ferrari Hamilton couldn’t have foreseen before joining them.
Hamilton was left bereft of enthusiasm, stating specifically after the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that he would be throwing his mobile phone in a bin as he did not want to hear from anyone, and to be left alone in peace.
Over four weeks since the season concluded, Hamilton has returned to social media – on the day he turns 41 – to deliver strong words as he gets set to embark on a second season with Ferrari.
Ferrari ended aerodynamic development of its SF-25 at the end of April after appreciating it was not a title contender, just over one month into the season.
Hamilton then found himself stuck with getting to grips with a car not fit to challenge and whole new team of people around him. By the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the end of the year, the Brit decided he’d had enough.
He said he would be throwing his mobile phone in a bin as he did not want to hear from anyone, and to be left alone in peace.
This IG post represents his first return to social media since then and he appears energised to have a better second season with the famous Italian outfit.
