Lewis Hamilton has written a message to fans on his 41st birthday, saying it was “time for a change” after a “very draining year”.
Hamilton celebrates his 41st birthday on Wednesday and is preparing for his second season with Ferrari after a disappointing first season in which he failed to finish on the podium for the first time in his F1 career.
The seven-time world champion said he would “step away from the Matrix” during the off-season, but referred to the Chinese New Year by exchanging vows and entering the “Year of the Horse,” one of the 12-year zodiac signs.
“I’m back again. I’m so grateful for this vacation. A time to disconnect, recharge, and find a little inner peace,” he wrote on Instagram.
“After a very draining year, spending time with family and friends that filled me with rest and laughter was all I needed. In a world that moves so fast, we’re always being pulled in different directions and we’re really disconnected, and it was the most wonderful feeling.”
“I recognize that I am entering the Year of the Horse and leaving the Year of the Snake behind. It is time for a change. Start a new routine, leave undesirable patterns behind, and work on your growth.”
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Lewis Hamilton said in Abu Dhabi that his support network of family and fans helped him overcome a disappointing first season at Ferrari.
In a difficult 2025, Hamilton described last year, when he finished sixth in the F1 Drivers’ Championship, as the “worst season ever” and a “nightmare”.
Hamilton fell far behind teammate Charles Leclerc, who finished on the podium seven times, but he is hoping to be even stronger in 2026.
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Sky Sports’ Craig Slater explains what the new 2026 regulations mean for this year’s racing
She goes on to say, “Let go of what no longer serves you. This may take time, and you may not be able to let go of some things right away, but it starts with the first step. Although the world may seem chaotic, I want you to stay focused on living life to the fullest.”
“Be yourself, and never forget who you are. I learned it from so many of you who said this to me in 2025, and I’ll never forget again! Your support means the world to me, and I’m here for you too. You’re never alone. Take one day at a time, one step at a time.”
Leclerc: now or forever for Ferrari
After last season’s final race in Abu Dhabi, Leclerc said major changes to F1 regulations for this season meant it was “now or never” whether the Italian team could deliver a championship-fighting car.
Ferrari, who finished runner-up in the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren by a narrow margin in 2024, entered 2025 with hopes of winning their first title since 2008, but they fell far short as they finished a very disappointing season in 4th place in the team standings.
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F1 has outlined new regulation changes for 2026, including a replacement for DRS, in a plan to allow closer racing next year. Video provided by: F1
Leclerc and Hamilton will at least take solace in the fact that due to new chassis and engine regulations for 2026, this year’s form books should theoretically be completely irrelevant when racing resumes, with pre-season testing in Barcelona at the end of January and two further tests in Bahrain in February ahead of the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8.
Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019, said, “It’s tough, but at the same time I think the whole team is very motivated for next year.”
“This is a very big change, a big opportunity to show what Ferrari is capable of, and it’s now or never. So I really hope that we start this new era on the right foot, because it’s important for the next four years.”
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
