Lewis Hamilton made a surprising revelation this week ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, stating that he has meticulously documented every error he and his Ferrari team committed throughout the year. Given the challenging season faced by the seven-time champion, the list likely fills a substantial notepad from his local Monaco shop.
Approaching his 41st birthday in January, Hamilton recognizes the limited opportunities remaining to secure an eighth Formula 1 title before retirement. Consequently, the upcoming 2026 season holds significant importance for him, motivating a dedicated effort with his team to not only develop a competitive car but also address and rectify the costly mistakes made.
As the season finale approaches, reflecting on the disappointments of Hamilton and Ferrari during their debut campaign becomes relevant. Despite high expectations, Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari was lackluster, finishing 10th in his first Grand Prix amid unpredictable weather conditions that caught the team off guard.
A moment of triumph shone through in Shanghai when Hamilton clinched victory in the Sprint race, raising hopes for a successful tenure with Ferrari. However, this remains his sole triumph to date, juxtaposed by Ferrari’s low point when both drivers faced disqualification due to technical infractions post-race.
While some errors were attributed to Ferrari, Hamilton took full responsibility for a subpar performance at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, acknowledging his shortcomings and expressing disappointment in his race balance. Qualifying woes persisted for Hamilton, notably in Belgium, where technical issues and self-criticism marred his performance.
Hamilton’s struggles continued throughout the season, marked by various incidents and setbacks, including post-race penalties and misjudgments that affected his race outcomes. Despite occasional bright spots, such as a Sprint race victory, the season was riddled with challenges and learning opportunities for the seasoned driver.
Looking ahead, Hamilton aims to learn from his missteps, collaborate closely with his team, and enhance his performance for the upcoming season. As he navigates the complexities of Formula 1 competition, the pursuit of excellence remains a driving force for the veteran driver determined to secure further successes in his racing career.