Lewis Hamilton surprised many this week by admitting that he has meticulously recorded every error made by himself and his Ferrari team throughout the year leading up to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Given the challenging season he has faced as a seven-time champion, the list likely contains enough mistakes to fill a large notepad.
Approaching his 41st birthday in January, Hamilton is aware of the limited opportunities remaining for him to secure an eighth Formula 1 title before retirement. The upcoming 2026 season holds significant importance for him, prompting a dedicated effort during the winter with his team to eliminate costly errors and build a competitive car.
As the season finale approaches, reflecting on the disappointing debut campaign for Hamilton and Ferrari provides insight into the challenges they have encountered. Despite high expectations at the start of the season, Hamilton’s debut in red saw him finish 10th in his first Grand Prix due to weather-related chaos, showcasing early struggles for the team.
A notable highlight for Hamilton was his victory in the Sprint race in Shanghai, offering a glimpse of potential success in his new team colors. However, the season also brought setbacks, such as both Ferrari drivers being disqualified from a race due to technical infractions, emphasizing the team’s ups and downs.
Throughout the season, Hamilton faced personal challenges, including instances of poor qualifying performances and on-track errors. These setbacks culminated in moments of self-criticism and disappointment, underscoring the competitive pressures in Formula 1.
Despite a mix of personal errors and team blunders, Hamilton remained determined to overcome obstacles and improve his performance. Each race presented new challenges and learning opportunities, shaping his approach to the sport as he aimed to bounce back from setbacks and strive for success in future seasons.