After a 'Draining' Ferrari Debut, Hamilton Says 'Time for Change'

Lewis Hamilton is using the off-season to reset after calling his debut year with Ferrari "very draining." The seven-time world champion, who went winless and without a podium for the first time in his career, shared a reflective message on social media emphasizing the need for "change" and personal growth. This comes as Ferrari prepares for a crucial 2026 season under new regulations, where Hamilton hopes to rebound from a deeply disappointing start to his time with the Scuderia.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's high-profile move from Mercedes to Ferrari was one of the biggest stories in recent F1 history, making his winless 2025 campaign a major narrative. His public call for introspection and "change" signals a recognition that both he and the team must adapt to reverse their fortunes. At 41, with Ferrari's 2026 title ambitions on the line, his mindset and motivation will be as critical as the car's performance.

The details:

• Hamilton's 2025 season was a statistical career low, marked by the absence of a single Grand Prix podium and being outperformed by teammate Charles Leclerc across the board.
• In an Instagram post, he stressed the importance of disconnecting to "recharge and find a bit of inner peace" following a grueling 24-race calendar.
• He specifically spoke of "leaving behind unwanted patterns" and "working on growth," framing the new year as a definitive fresh start for himself.
• Ferrari will unveil the livery for its 2026 challenger on January 23, with the first on-track action of the new season beginning just days later in Barcelona.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Hamilton when he returns to the cockpit for Ferrari's first 2026 test to see if his off-season reset translates to on-track performance. The new regulations represent a massive opportunity for Ferrari to challenge for championships, and Hamilton's ability to integrate and contribute to the project will be under intense scrutiny. His message sets a tone of determined optimism, but the ultimate test will be the results when the season begins.