Lewis Hamilton has opened up about his plan to completely switch off from F1 over the winter break and what motivates him to still keep going following a rather challenging first season with Ferrari.
The seven-time world champion joined the historic Italian team at the start of 2025 after a long and successful stint with Mercedes. Despite the massive pre-season hype, the Brit, unfortunately, struggled to adapt to the tricky SF-25, and his 18-year streak of podium finishes has now come to an end.
Hamilton sits sixth in the final championship standings, 86 points adrift of teammate Charles Leclerc. The highlights of his season, results-wise, were his Sprint race victory in China and fourth-place finishes at Imola, Silverstone, Spielberg, and Austin.
Hamilton’s plan for the F1 winter break
Speaking in the print media pen after his recovery drive to P8 at the Abu Dhabi GP, Lewis Hamilton revealed what his sentiments are heading into the F1 winter break.
“I don’t particularly feel relieved, no. I feel fine. I just feel pretty fresh and just looking forward to the break.”
When it came to reflecting on his tough first Ferrari campaign, Hamilton refused to make any further comments and remarked that he had already given his verdict prior to the F1 season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit.
“I’ve said all I can about this season already. So there’s not really much more to add to it. Let’s just move forward.”
Asked if he is looking forward to 2026, Hamilton clarified that he is specifically awaiting the winter break. Additionally, the 105-time race winner disclosed that he seeks to leave his phone behind and completely disconnect until the new season kicks off.
“At the moment, I’m only looking forward to the break. Just disconnecting, not speaking to anyone. No one’s going to be able to get a hold of me this winter. I won’t have my phone with me. I’m looking forward to that. Just completely unplugged from the matrix.”
In respect of digital detox gaining popularity in recent years and if he had taken that approach in a winter break previously, the Brit stated: “Not particularly. I wouldn’t say that. No, I’ve generally always had it around, but this time it’s going in the fricking bin.”
Hamilton also eager to get away from promotional activities
With the length of the F1 calendar now at a record high of 24 race weekends per season and how important a disconnect is for a mental reset, Lewis Hamilton commented that he would discover the benefits of the deliberate break once he has taken it.
Furthermore, the 40-year-old admitted that he is also keen to take a pause from the additional responsibilities he has as a driver following Sunday’s Abu Dhabi GP that saw Lando Norris lift his maiden F1 title.
“Disconnect? I’ll find out [how effective it is] when I do it but I can’t wait to get away from all this. Every week, photoshoots and all that kind of stuff. That’s the thing I look forward to one day, not having to do it all.”
What motivates Hamilton to stick around
In terms of competing in F1 for nearly two decades and what still drives him to lower his visor and take to the track, Lewis Hamilton responded that his love for racing and the incredible support he receives from his fans are his biggest sources of motivation.
“It’s the love for what you do. It’s the love for racing. I’ve got amazing support from people around me, my fans.”
Although he didn’t explicitly utter the words, Hamilton also made it abundantly clear that the dream of securing an eighth F1 Drivers’ title continues to push him forward in spite of his difficult first season with Ferrari.
“It’s that constant, you know, keeping an eye on the dream. I still have a dream that I hold hope in my heart for and that’s what I work towards.”
