Lewis Hamilton Says He “Lost Sight” Of Himself During Difficult Ferrari Season But Feels Reborn For 2026

For a driver who has spent most of his career rewriting Formula 1 history, Lewis Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari was anything but a fairytale.

Now, heading into the 2026 Formula 1 season opener in Melbourne, the seven-time world champion says the struggles of last year forced him to confront something deeper than race results. For a moment, he admits, he lost sight of who he was.

But according to Hamilton, that chapter is firmly closed.

Hamilton Opens Up About A Difficult Ferrari Debut

Hamilton’s much-hyped move to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season was expected to spark a new golden era for both driver and team. Instead, the campaign turned into a frustrating learning curve.

Despite the anticipation surrounding the partnership, Hamilton failed to secure a single podium finish during the season. As the months went by, both his form and morale dipped, leaving the usually upbeat champion searching for answers.

Reflecting on that difficult period ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton was candid about how it affected him.

He admitted there was a moment where he briefly lost perspective on who he was as a competitor and as a person.

That version of him, he says, will not be returning.

Resetting His Mindset For A New Season

The off-season became an opportunity for Hamilton to reset both mentally and physically. After a tough year under intense scrutiny, the British driver stepped away from the digital world and focused on rebuilding his confidence.

He described the break as a positive period that allowed him to reconnect with his purpose.

Training played a major role in that reset. Hamilton revealed he began intense preparation as early as Christmas Day, pushing himself to ensure he arrived in Australia stronger than ever.

More importantly, the break helped him rediscover belief in his own abilities.

For a driver who has built a career on resilience, that renewed self-belief could prove just as important as the car beneath him.

Ferrari Feels Different In Year Two

Beyond Hamilton’s personal transformation, the environment around him at Ferrari has also evolved.

His first year with the legendary Italian team involved learning a completely new culture, working style and team structure. Now, with a full season behind him, Hamilton says things feel far more natural.

He explained that relationships within the team have improved and communication has become smoother. That familiarity, he believes, has helped him feel far more comfortable inside the Ferrari setup.

The driver also confirmed a notable change within his race team. Hamilton has split from race engineer Ricardo Adami, with Carlo Santi stepping into the role on an interim basis while Ferrari evaluates its long-term structure.

A Stronger Ferrari Heading Into 2026

Encouragingly for Hamilton and Ferrari fans, early signs suggest the team may finally have the tools to compete at the front again.

Pre-season testing hinted that Ferrari has produced a competitive car and engine package under the latest Formula 1 regulations. After a disappointing 2025 campaign, the Italian outfit appears to have made significant progress.

For Hamilton, the difference between last year and now is clear.

Arriving in Melbourne this time around feels less like stepping into the unknown and more like returning to a team he truly understands.

With a renewed mindset, improved team chemistry and a promising car, Hamilton believes Ferrari is now in a much stronger position.

And after a season that tested him more than most expected, the seven-time champion is determined to prove that the real Lewis Hamilton is still very much in the fight.

{Source:ESPN}

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