Lewis Hamilton reflects on 'ridiculous' career ahead of 20th F1 season

Lewis Hamilton has marked the start of his landmark 20th Formula 1 season by reflecting on the "ridiculous" dream of his career, acknowledging both its historic highs and recent competitive lows as he prepares for the Australian Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's longevity and success are unparalleled in the sport's modern era. As he embarks on his 20th season—a milestone only a handful of drivers have reached—his journey from a record-chasing champion to a driver fighting to return to the podium with Ferrari encapsulates the relentless challenge of F1. His candid reflection on the "brutal lows" adds a rare, humanizing perspective to a career often defined by statistics.

The details:

• Historic Milestone: The 2026 season opener in Australia will be Hamilton's 20th in F1. During that time, he has started 380 out of a possible 381 Grands Prix.
• Record-Breaking Success: His career resume includes a record 105 race wins and seven World Drivers' Championships, tying Michael Schumacher's record.
• Recent Struggles: The 2025 season was his worst in F1, failing to secure a single Grand Prix podium with his new team, Ferrari. His only podium finishes came in sprint races (a win in China and third in Miami).
• Career Lows Recalled: Hamilton openly referenced past difficulties, including a troubled 2011 season with McLaren and the dramatic performance drop at Mercedes in 2022, which led to his first winless season. He also alluded to the painful loss of the 2021 title to Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi.
• Social Media Tribute: Ahead of the Australian GP, Hamilton posted a photo series on Instagram showcasing one image from each year of his career, visually narrating his two-decade journey.

What's next:

All eyes are on Melbourne to see how Hamilton and Ferrari begin this historic season. The Australian Grand Prix, a circuit where Hamilton has won twice before (2008, 2015), represents the first real test of whether the team has made the progress needed to lift the seven-time champion back into regular contention. For Hamilton, season 20 is not just about celebrating a legacy, but about forging a new chapter of competitiveness with the sport's most iconic team.