Hamilton's Winter Break Promise on Hold as He Promotes Lululemon Collection

Lewis Hamilton has not yet fully disconnected for his winter break as promised, instead appearing on social media to promote a new Lululemon clothing line. The Ferrari driver was seen in a store showcasing 'The Lewis Hamilton Edit' collection, taking selfies and engaging with the brand—a contrast to his stated plan to go completely off-grid and phone-free during the offseason.

Why it matters:

Hamilton’s visible activity during what was billed as a digital detox highlights the balancing act between personal commitments and professional obligations, even in the offseason. For a driver coming off a challenging debut year with Ferrari, the ability to fully recharge away from the spotlight could be crucial for mental reset and performance preparation.

The details:

• After the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton told GPBlog he intended to go “completely unplugged from the matrix” this winter, stating he wouldn’t have his phone and no one would be able to reach him.
• His recent Instagram post from a Lululemon store, where he is a brand ambassador, shows him actively using his phone, indicating his digital break has been paused, at least temporarily.
• This isn't Hamilton's first surprise appearance for the brand; earlier this year, he went undercover as a store employee before being recognized by customers.

The big picture:

Hamilton’s 2025 season with Ferrari was tougher than many anticipated following his high-profile move from Mercedes. His demeanor grew visibly dejected as the year progressed, sparking widespread media speculation about a potential retirement. Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert even suggested Hamilton’s post-Abu Dhabi comments sounded like a “farewell speech,” though ex-teammate Nico Rosberg has publicly advised against retirement.

What's next:

Whether this social media activity is a brief interruption or signals a shift in his winter plans remains to be seen. The focus now turns to whether Hamilton can achieve the mental break he sought to reset before a critical 2026 season with Ferrari, where both team and driver will be eager to move past a difficult first year together.