Hamilton Calls for 'Change' After Tough Ferrari Season in Birthday Message

Lewis Hamilton marked his 41st birthday with a powerful social media post reflecting on a "very draining" first season at Ferrari. The seven-time world champion, who failed to secure a Grand Prix podium for the first time in his career, declared that "the time for change is now." His message served as both a personal manifesto and a note of gratitude, signaling a focus on evolution as he prepares for his second season with the Scuderia.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's candid reflection is significant coming after his most challenging F1 season to date. His highly anticipated move to Ferrari resulted in a winless campaign without a single Grand Prix podium, a stark contrast to his dominant years at Mercedes. This public acknowledgment of struggle and his call for reinvention provide a crucial window into his mindset as he and Ferrari regroup and aim to bounce back in 2026.

The details:

• Hamilton's 2025 season with Ferrari was a historic low, marking the first time in his 19-year career he failed to stand on a Grand Prix podium.
• The team's SF-25 car was largely abandoned as a development project by the end of April, leaving Hamilton to compete with a stagnant machine for most of the year.
• His only victory of the season came in the Sprint race in China, offering a brief highlight in an otherwise difficult campaign.
• In his birthday post, Hamilton spoke of disconnecting to "recharge" and explicitly stated, "The time for change is now. Starting new routines, leaving behind unwanted patterns and working on growth."
• He framed the moment using symbolism, noting the shift from the Year of the Snake to the Year of the Horse as an opportune time for transformation.

What's next:

As Hamilton prepares for his second season in Ferrari red, his message signals a shift in focus from proving his legacy to personal and professional evolution. At 41, he appears to be processing the setbacks of 2025 and mentally resetting for the challenge ahead. The onus is now on Ferrari to provide him with a competitive car for 2026, giving their legendary driver the tools needed to translate his renewed mindset into on-track results.