Lewis Hamilton Plans Digital Detox After Tough Debut Ferrari Season

Lewis Hamilton Unplugs After Difficult Season with Ferrari

Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has announced plans for a complete digital detox following his challenging first season with Ferrari — a year that remarkably ended without a single podium finish.

After finishing eighth at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton admitted his frustration but also shared his intent to reset mentally before the 2026 campaign. The British driver started only 16th at Yas Marina and never threatened the top five, reflecting a season-long struggle with Ferrari’s inconsistent performance.

“At the moment I’m just looking forward to the break — completely disconnecting, not speaking to anyone. I’ll have no phone on me this winter. I’m unplugging from the matrix,” Hamilton said with a smile after the race.

First Podium-Free Year in Nearly Two Decades

In his 19-year Formula 1 career, Hamilton had never gone a full season without a podium — until now. His best results came from fourth-place finishes in Emilia Romagna, Austria, Britain, and the United States, along with a sprint race victory in China.

Ferrari finished fourth in the Constructors’ Championship with 398 points, far behind Red Bull and McLaren. The Italian team battled inconsistencies all season, particularly in qualifying, where Hamilton was knocked out in Q1 in the final three races.

Congratulating Norris on His Championship Triumph

Despite his disappointment, Hamilton took time to celebrate Lando Norris, who clinched his maiden World Championship by finishing third in Abu Dhabi — just two points ahead of Max Verstappen.

Hamilton interrupted Norris’s media interviews to congratulate him warmly, offering a hug and saying: “I’m so happy for you. I told you, you could do it.”

Later, in interviews, he added:

“Winning your first World Championship is something you never forget. It’s nerve-wracking coming into that final race, but Lando handled it brilliantly. I told him before the weekend just to keep doing what he’s doing — and it worked.”

His remarks also highlighted a sense of pride in British motorsport success. “The UK continues to produce incredible talent — it’s inspiring to see the next generation taking over,” he added.

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Ferrari’s Rebuild

Hamilton still has faith in Ferrari’s long-term vision. With major regulation changes arriving in 2026, including new engine and chassis rules, he hopes the reset will give Ferrari the platform it needs to return to winning ways.

“It’s been a humbling season, but we’ve learned so much,” Hamilton reflected. “Next year is another opportunity to build something stronger.”

The 2026 car will be the first fully designed under Ferrari’s latest technical structure, and insiders in Maranello believe Hamilton’s experience will be essential in shaping the team’s direction. Fans will be watching closely to see if the most successful driver in F1 history can turn frustration into fuel for a comeback.