Lewis Hamilton is “still standing, still hungry and focused on the dream” and promised “not to hold back” as he embarks on his 20th season in Formula 1.
As Hamilton prepares for this weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix, he says he is already feeling “reset and refreshed” for his second season with Ferrari, and is hoping to quickly put the disappointment of missing out on the podium for the first time in his career behind him.
Ferrari head to Melbourne alongside Mercedes to fight at the front of the field after an excellent pre-season test. Seven-time champion Hamilton revealed he is looking forward to a breakthrough season.
“20 seasons as an F1 driver. It’s hard to even grasp the reality of that number,” the 41-year-old wrote on Instagram in a post containing images from his record-breaking career so far.
“It started with a dream. I was told that the dream was ridiculous and that it was of no use. Nevertheless, the dream never changed, and I never stopped chasing it.
“Dreams must be matched by action and above all by faith. That faith will never break, no matter what is thrown at your face, no matter what you face. There will always be people who doubt you, people who will try to stop you, but you can’t stop fighting.”
“Twenty years have had incredible good times, brutal bad times, and countless mistakes. But those mistakes have made the journey even sweeter. You have the power over your own destiny. Everything you need to succeed is within you. You’ll need help along the way, just like I did, but that spark, that fire, is already within you.”
“I am forever grateful for the lessons, the quiet time, the chaos, and the many people who helped me pursue and achieve my dreams.
“I’m grateful to all the doubters and those who tried to tear me down. I’m still here 20 years later, still standing, still hungry, still focused on my dreams.
“No need to hesitate.”
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Sky Sports F1’s Ted Kravitz takes a closer look at what F1 will look like in 2026 as the sport launches a new era of charging modes, more power, new teams and engine suppliers
Could Hamilton enjoy an even stronger campaign in 2026?
In a feature assessing the main driver line-up on the grid, Sky Sports F1’s Anthony Davidson said:
“Lewis has had a rough few years, let’s see if he can bounce back with this new car.
“I believe they suit his style better. He will be able to get more out of the equipment than he has been able to achieve with ground effects cars in the past few years.”
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Former racing driver Anthony Davidson believes Hamilton can fight for an eighth world title if he can qualify well.
“[Teammate Charles Leclerc]is a phenomenal driver, super fast, probably one of the fastest drivers on the grid, especially in qualifying. He doesn’t mind the cars moving around under him. The way he drives is very flashy and it’s really fun to watch.”
“But I think these two guys were in a tough spot at some point last year. I don’t think it was easy driving the car, but let’s see how they do this year. We’re hopeful that they’ll be a force to be reckoned with again.”
Martin Brundle of Sky Sports F1:
“As F1 fans, we always want Ferrari to succeed and we want to see it work out for Lewis. He looks a little bit happier. He’ll do well with the tools available in these new cars.”
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Craig Slater and Martin Brundle review and rank all F1 teams after pre-season testing
“He has to beat Charles Leclerc, but Leclerc is also right about that.
“A happy Lewis has always been a fast Lewis, not just at Ferrari. And I have to say that Ferrari has been very innovative during the winter. So I’m sure Lewis will have a better year.”
Sky Sports F1 Australian GP Schedule
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Take a look back at some of the most dramatic moments around the Albert Park circuit.
Thursday, March 5th
3am: Driver press conference
6am: Paddock uncut
9:45pm: F3 practice
10:55pm: F2 practice
Friday, March 6th
1am: Australian GP Practice 1 (Session starts at 1:30am)*
2:55am: F3 Qualifying*
3:30am: Team boss press conference
3:50am: F2 Qualifying*
4:35am: Australian GP Practice 2 (session starts at 5am)*
6:15am: F1 Show*
Saturday, March 7th
0.10am: F3 sprint*
1:10am: Australian GP Practice 3 (session starts at 1:30am)*
3:05am: F2 Sprint*
4:10am: Australian GP qualifying build-up*
5am: Australian Grand Prix Qualifying*
7am: Ted’s Qualification Notebook*
9:45pm: F3 Feature Race*
Sunday, March 8th
12:20am: F2 Feature Race*
2:30am: Preparation for Australian Grand Prix: Grand Prix Sunday*
4am: Australian Grand Prix*
6am: Australian Grand Prix reaction: Checkered flag*
7am: Ted’s Notes*
7.55am: Australian GP race replay*
10am: Australian GP Highlights (also on Sky One)*
*Also held at Sky Sports Main Event
Watch every race of the 2026 F1 season live on Sky Sports, including the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
