After what many fans described as a “nightmare” debut year with Scuderia Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton has finally opened up about the painful lessons he took from the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The seven-time world champion admitted that the experience forced him into a period of deep self-reflection over the winter break as he prepared for the 2026 campaign.

For Hamilton, the challenge wasn’t just about improving performance on the track—it was about rediscovering the mindset that made him one of the most successful drivers in motorsport history.

A Dream Move That Turned Difficult

Hamilton’s highly anticipated move from Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team to Ferrari in 2025 was expected to launch a new era in his career.

Many fans believed the partnership could deliver Hamilton’s long-awaited eighth world championship, a milestone that would make him the most decorated driver in Formula 1 history.

But reality proved far more challenging.

Ferrari’s SF-25 car struggled to compete at the front of the grid, and Hamilton found it difficult to fully adapt to the team’s systems and driving characteristics.

While teammate Charles Leclerc managed to secure six podium finishes during the season, Hamilton failed to reach the podium even once.

The only bright moment came during the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint, where Hamilton secured a surprise victory.

Unfortunately for the British driver, that success would not be repeated.

By the end of the season, Hamilton finished sixth in the championship with 156 points, trailing Leclerc by 86 points.

Asking the Tough Questions

During the off-season, Hamilton took time to reflect on what went wrong.

In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, he explained that the process required honesty with himself.

“It’s about analysing where you are, setting goals and finding a way to achieve them,” Hamilton said.

“My goal last year was to win the World Championship with Ferrari, but I didn’t succeed.”

Rather than blaming circumstances alone, Hamilton admitted that he challenged himself with difficult questions:

• Am I doing enough?

• Can I improve?

• Can I change the way I work?

• Can I be better for the people around me?

According to Hamilton, this introspection helped him rediscover the motivation that had driven his career for nearly two decades.

Rediscovering Joy Before the 2026 Season

Hamilton hinted that the emotional weight of joining Ferrari may have affected him during his first season with the team.

Ferrari is more than just a racing team—it is an institution passionately followed by millions around the world.

That pressure, he suggested, may have caused him to lose sight of something essential: the joy of racing.

Referring to the Chinese zodiac, Hamilton described 2026 as the “Year of the Fire Horse,” a symbol of freedom and renewal.

“When responsibility becomes too heavy, you risk losing not only yourself but also the fun,” he explained.
“You have to rediscover joy.”

He said that when Ferrari unveiled the new 2026 car, he felt “as happy as a child again.”

A New Car with Hamilton’s Influence

One major difference heading into the new season is Hamilton’s involvement in developing Ferrari’s latest machine.

Unlike the previous car—which he joined after it had largely been designed—the 2026 car has benefited from more than a year of Hamilton’s input.

“I’ve been working on the 2026 car for 14 months with the engineers and on the simulator,” he said.

“This car has a bit of my DNA in it, and that excites me.”

Ferrari also confirmed changes within the engineering team, including a new race engineer for Hamilton after Riccardo Adami was reassigned within the company.

Rivalry With Charles Leclerc

While Hamilton will inevitably compete with teammate Charles Leclerc, he insists he does not see the relationship as a rivalry that should divide Ferrari fans.

Instead, Hamilton emphasized that the team’s success must come first.

“Ferrari is one thing,” he said.
“People follow it like a religion.”

He also praised Leclerc’s professionalism and talent, calling him a “phenomenal driver.”

Still, Hamilton made it clear that he remains determined to fight for victories.

Hope After Pre-Season Testing

Early signs from Bahrain Formula One Pre‑Season Testing have given Ferrari supporters reason for optimism.

The team posted the fastest lap time during testing, suggesting that the new car and power unit could be competitive heading into the season opener.

However, Hamilton cautioned that testing results rarely reveal the true competitive order.

Teams often run different fuel loads and development programs, making direct comparisons difficult.

Still Driven After Nearly Two Decades

Despite almost 20 years in Formula 1, Hamilton insists that the thrill of racing remains as powerful as ever.

“Only two people in the world drive a Ferrari in Formula 1, and I am one of them,” he said.

For Hamilton, the journey is not just about winning races—it is about proving that he can still evolve, adapt, and compete at the highest level.

A New Chapter for 2026

As the new Formula 1 season approaches, Hamilton appears determined to turn the setbacks of 2025 into motivation.

The upcoming campaign could represent one of the most important chapters of his career.

If Ferrari’s new car delivers the performance the team hopes for, Hamilton may once again find himself fighting for the sport’s biggest prize.

And if that happens, the story of his Ferrari redemption could become one of the most dramatic comebacks in modern Formula 1 history.