(Motorsport-Total.com) – Lewis Hamilton gives deep insights into his mental transformation ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Briton reveals which course corrections he made, of all days, on Christmas Day.
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After the dramatic loss of the 2021 World Championship title, Hamilton was eager to strike back in 2022, but the regulations and the ground-effect cars thwarted the Briton’s plans. The technology simply did not deliver the desired results. 2025 also remained a difficult year for him, marked by the transition to his new team: Ferrari.
The record world champion now openly admits to having “lost himself to some extent” in recent years. However, after a personal restart during the winter break, he feels stronger than ever in the current season.
Intense training and new “tools”
“The training this winter was the hardest and most intense I have ever completed. That probably goes hand in hand with getting older,” Hamilton is quoted by the Independent. “Recovery simply takes longer.”
But the Briton has found a way: “I managed to bring these new tools together. I’m working with a great trainer whom I already knew from the past – we’ve been in full rhythm since Christmas Day.”
Added to that is the time in the factory and working with his new race engineer: “That was, of course, a real motivation boost. The morale in the team is excellent. And as I said: I decided for myself on Christmas Day how I would approach this season. I determined what I would do mentally, and I will continue to refine that.”
Hamilton defies criticism: “I haven’t lost a thing”
Speaking to media representatives in Suzuka, Hamilton also emphasized that he had worked hard to block out external noise.
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“I think it’s simply a change in attitude. I don’t let all the bullshit being talked around me get to me anymore,” he clarifies. “I know who I am and what I’m capable of. I hope that was visible in the last two races, especially the previous one.”
He sent a clear message to his critics: “I will continue to give everything this year. I haven’t lost any of what I once had – regardless of what some of you write. I will continue to be present.”
Running workload in Tokyo: “Harder than the competition”
He backs up his seriousness with numbers: “I’m training harder than ever. Between the previous race and this one, I was in Tokyo and ran about 100 kilometers.”
Hamilton is convinced that his commitment sets him apart from the competition: “I know that none of the drivers I’m racing against have trained as hard as I have or invested as much – especially not at my age. I love that I still have this inner drive.”
Including a small dig at his colleagues: “I was in the hotel when some other drivers came in while I had just finished my runs. It can’t be helped: the dedication is there, more than ever. I will devote absolutely everything I have to this challenge and the good vibe I’m feeling right now.”
After the Ferrari driver celebrated his first podium for the Scuderia at the Chinese Grand Prix, he finished sixth at the Japanese Grand Prix.
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