Lewis Hamilton to ‘Unplug from the Matrix’ After Challenging First Season with Ferrari

Introduction: A Difficult Year for F1’s Seven-Time Champion

Lewis Hamilton has completed what he describes as his worst Formula One season, marking a challenging chapter in his illustrious 18-year career. The Briton endured his worst Formula One season, finishing sixth overall and without a podium for the first time in his 18-year career. Following the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton announced plans for a complete digital detox, stating his phone is “going in the bin” as he fully disconnects for winter. This story matters as it highlights the immense pressure faced by elite athletes and raises questions about Hamilton’s future in the sport.

The Ferrari Move That Didn’t Deliver

The seven-time world champion shook up the racing world last year when he announced he was moving to the Scuderia after 12 largely successful years at Mercedes, where he won six of his titles. Expectations were sky-high when Hamilton joined Ferrari, pairing the sport’s most successful driver with its most iconic team. However, 2025 proved to be a nightmare season. Hamilton could only finish eighth at Sunday’s season-ending Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and sixth overall in the drivers’ standings. The struggle was compounded by multiple technical and psychological challenges, including Hamilton finishing sixth in the championship, failing to claim a single podium and being knocked out of Q1 in each of 2025’s final three qualifying sessions.

Why Hamilton Struggled at Ferrari

Multiple factors contributed to Hamilton’s difficulties. The first is the nature of this regulatory era introduced in 2022. Ground effect cars have never suited his instincts. Additionally, the transition from the Carbone Industrie system at Mercedes to the Brembo hardware at Ferrari has forced him to rewire instincts built over two decades. The cultural adjustment to Ferrari’s unique environment also presented challenges, with the team having its own distinct rhythm and traditions.

Plans to Disconnect and Reset

Following this taxing season, the seven-time world champion admitted he intends to disappear from the grid, literally and digitally, for a much-needed reset. Hamilton revealed that the constant noise has taken a heavier toll this year than ever before. When asked about retirement speculation, Hamilton spoke of looking forward to the day when he no longer has to spend his time doing “photo shoots” and other activities that come as part of being an F1 driver. “I can’t wait to get away from all this. Every week photo shoots and all that kind of stuff.”

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Hamilton

Despite the challenging season, hopes are pinned on a 2026 reset with new regulatory changes potentially offering Hamilton a fresh start. Hamilton has a contract for next year, when a rules revolution could propel Ferrari back into contention. For now, the British champion seeks solace away from the spotlight, prioritising mental health and personal wellbeing after one of the most demanding seasons of his career. Whether this winter reset will reignite Hamilton’s competitive fire remains to be seen, but his decision to prioritise mental health resonates beyond motorsport, highlighting the importance of self-care even at the highest levels of professional competition.