Hamilton Clarifies 'Not Looking Forward' to 2026 Season Remarks

Lewis Hamilton has clarified his recent comments about 'not looking forward' to the 2026 Formula 1 season, stating they were made in the 'heat of frustration' after a challenging Las Vegas Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion emphasized that he remains excited about his new team, Ferrari, and the future, despite a difficult inaugural season with the Scuderia.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari for the 2025 season marks a significant chapter in his career. His initial comments sparked speculation about his morale and long-term commitment, making his clarification crucial for reassuring fans and the team about his dedication amidst a challenging period for the British driver.

The Details:

• Vegas Disappointment: After a disappointing 10th-place finish (later promoted to 8th) at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hamilton expressed feeling 'terrible' and described 2025 as the 'worst season' of his career. These remarks were made immediately post-race.
• Clarification in Qatar: Ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, Hamilton explained that his earlier comments were driven by the typical end-of-season fatigue and frustration from a poor race performance, rather than a lack of enthusiasm for the future.
  • He stated, "I'd think at this [point], I would be surprised if the other drivers were excited about next year at the end of a season because usually you don't have a lot of energy at the end of the season, looking forward to time with family and stuff."
  • He added, "I'm excited to see what the team build next year and to continue to build on with them."
• Refusal to Dwell on 2025: Hamilton chose not to extensively review his current season with Ferrari, opting instead to focus on the positives and future improvements. He simply stated, "I don't. I just look forwards... There are some positives to take from it and you just move forwards."
• No Regrets Over Ferrari Move: Despite the difficulties, Hamilton maintains no regrets about his decision to join Ferrari, acknowledging that building a competitive team takes time.
  • "I don't regret the decision I made joining the team. I know it takes time to build and grow within an organisation and I expected that."
• Unconcerned by Leclerc's Performance: Hamilton also dismissed concerns about being outperformed by teammate Charles Leclerc, who leads him by 74 points with two races remaining and has secured all of Ferrari's podiums this season. He attributed this difference to Leclerc's long-standing relationship with the team.
  • "Charles has done a great job. He has been here for seven years and he has a team around him who he has worked with for many years so it is a well-oiled machine. On my side, it is a new group of people. It is a new environment that I am still getting used to."

What's next:

Hamilton's focus remains on integrating further into Ferrari and working with his new team to improve performance. The upcoming 2026 regulations offer a fresh start, and his determination suggests he's committed to overcoming current challenges to return to the top of Formula 1 with Ferrari.