Lewis Hamilton surprised many this week before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by disclosing his practice of documenting every error he and his Ferrari team made throughout the year. Given the challenging season for the seven-time champion, the list likely fills a sizable notepad.
Approaching his 41st birthday in January, Hamilton acknowledges the limited opportunities remaining to secure an eighth Formula 1 title before retirement. The upcoming 2026 season holds significant importance for him, motivating him to collaborate diligently with his team during the winter to enhance car performance and minimize costly mistakes.
As the season finale approaches, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the disappointments of Hamilton and Ferrari during their debut campaign. Despite high expectations, Hamilton’s initial races with Ferrari were lackluster, notably finishing 10th in his first Grand Prix due to a misjudgment of weather conditions.
One notable highlight was Hamilton’s victory in the Sprint race in Shanghai, offering hope for success in his Ferrari tenure. However, setbacks followed, including disqualifications and personal errors, like a disappointing performance at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Hamilton’s struggles continued with qualifying challenges in Belgium and post-race penalties in Singapore. A series of errors and misjudgments culminated in a difficult qualifying session in Baku.
The most recent setback in Las Vegas saw Hamilton qualify last due to a misunderstanding of timing, highlighting a season marred by unexpected mishaps. Despite aiming for a strong finish to the season, Hamilton faced further hurdles during practice sessions and qualifying rounds.
Hamilton’s year has been marked by a mix of personal errors and team misjudgments, underscoring the need for improvement and focus in the upcoming season. The seasoned driver remains determined to address these shortcomings and strive for better results in the future.