Lewis Hamilton talks more openly than ever about his mental reboot at Ferrari – the record world champion made a decision on Christmas Day
Lewis Hamilton gives deep insights into his mental transformation ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Briton reveals the course corrections he made on Christmas Day of all days.
After the dramatic loss of the 2021 world title, Hamilton was eager to strike back in 2022, but the regulations and the ground-effect cars put a spanner in the works. The technology simply did not deliver the desired results. Even 2025 remained a difficult year for him, characterized by the transition to his new team: Ferrari.
The record world champion now openly admits that he has “lost himself to a certain extent” in recent years. But after a personal reboot during the winter break, he feels stronger than ever this season.
Intensive training and new “tools”
“Training this winter was the hardest and most intensive I’ve ever done. That probably goes hand in hand with getting older,” Hamilton is quoted as saying by the Independent. “It just takes longer to recover.”
However, the Brit has found a way: “I’ve managed to bring these new tools together. I’m working with a great coach who I’ve known from the past – we’ve been in full rhythm since Christmas Day.”
In addition, there is the time spent in the factory and working with his new race engineer: “Of course, that was a real motivational boost. The morale in the team is excellent. And as I said, I decided for myself on Christmas Day how I was going to approach this season. I’ve decided what I’m going to do mentally and I’m going to keep working on that.”
Hamilton defies criticism: “I haven’t forgotten anything”
Talking to media representatives in Suzuka, Hamilton also emphasized that he had worked hard to block out outside noise.
“I think it’s just a change in attitude. I don’t let all the bullshit around me get to me anymore,” he clarified. “I know who I am and what I’m capable of. I hope you’ve seen that in the last two races, especially the previous one.“
He sent a clear message to his critics: ”I will continue to give my all this year. I haven’t lost anything of what I used to have – despite what some of you write. I will continue to be present.”
Running workload in Tokyo: “Tougher than the competition”
He backs up his seriousness with figures: “I’m training harder than ever before. Between the previous race and this one, I was in Tokyo and ran around 100 kilometers.”
Hamilton is convinced that his commitment sets him apart from the competition: “I know that none of the drivers I’m racing against have trained as hard as I have or invested as much – especially not at my age. I love the fact that I still have this inner drive.“
A little dig at his colleagues included: ”I was in the hotel when some other riders came in while I had just finished my runs. It can’t be helped: The dedication is there, more than ever. I’m going to dedicate absolutely everything I have to this challenge and the good vibe I’m feeling right now.”
After celebrating his first podium for the Scuderia at the Chinese Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver finished sixth at the Japanese Grand Prix.