Hamilton unwinds in New York after challenging debut Ferrari season
After a tough first year with Ferrari that yielded no podiums and a P6 finish, Lewis Hamilton is recharging in New York. The break comes before a critical 2026 season for which preparations have already begun, though Hamilton remains skeptical about the new regulations.
Lewis Hamilton is spending his Christmas break in New York, unwinding after a difficult debut season with Ferrari that saw him finish a career-worst sixth in the championship. The seven-time champion shared moments from his trip, highlighting the city as a place for reflection and creativity before the intense preparations for the 2026 season begin.
Why it matters:
Hamilton's move to Ferrari was one of the most anticipated driver transfers in F1 history. His subsequent struggle to adapt and achieve a podium finish for the first time in his career marks a significant personal and professional challenge. How he and the team rebound in 2026 will be a central narrative, making this period of rest and preparation crucial.
The details:
- Hamilton finished the 2025 season in P6 with 186 points, a full 86 points behind his teammate Charles Leclerc.
- The 2025 campaign was his first without a Grand Prix podium since his F1 debut in 2007, ending a remarkable 18-year streak.
- His move to Ferrari concluded a historic partnership with Mercedes, where he won six of his seven world championships.
- On social media, Hamilton expressed gratitude for the annual trip, calling New York an "inspiring and insightful place" to reflect and tap into creativity.
Looking ahead:
Preparation for the 2026 season is already underway, with Hamilton noting "several months of work" have been completed. However, he has publicly expressed a lack of faith in the upcoming 2026 technical regulations, issuing a warning to fans about the performance of the new cars. All eyes will be on whether the off-season work can translate into a more competitive package for the iconic partnership's second year.