Lewis Hamilton surprised many this week by disclosing that he has been meticulously documenting every error he and his Ferrari team have made throughout the year. Given the challenging season the seven-time champion has endured, there is likely a substantial list of blunders to fill a sizable notepad.
Approaching his 41st birthday in January, Hamilton recognizes the limited opportunities he has left to pursue an eighth Formula 1 title before retirement. The upcoming 2026 season holds significant importance for him, prompting plans to dedicate the winter period to collaborating with his team to not only develop a competitive car but also eliminate costly mistakes.
As the season draws to a close, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the disappointments of Hamilton and Ferrari during their debut campaign. Despite high expectations at the start, Hamilton’s entry into the Ferrari team was lackluster, with a modest 10th-place finish in his maiden Grand Prix amid unpredictable weather conditions that caught the team off guard.
One bright spot in Hamilton’s season was his victory in the Sprint race in Shanghai, offering hope for future success in the red car. However, this remains his only triumph so far, overshadowed by subsequent setbacks, including disqualifications for technical infractions and disappointing performances on track.
Hamilton’s struggles with qualifying persisted, notably in Belgium, where a rear tire issue hampered his performance. His self-criticism following poor results in races like Barcelona and Budapest underscored his frustrations with personal errors. Despite occasional flashes of promise, such as in Shanghai, Hamilton’s season was marred by a series of mistakes and misfortunes.
The season was not without team errors as well, as seen in incidents like the misjudgment of weather conditions in Australia and strategic miscalculations in races like Baku and Singapore. These collective errors highlight the challenges faced by Hamilton and Ferrari throughout the year, emphasizing the need for improvement and focus heading into the next season.
Hamilton’s determination to learn from these mistakes and deliver better performances in the future reflects his competitive spirit and drive for success. As he navigates the highs and lows of his racing career, the lessons from this season will undoubtedly shape his approach to future challenges on the Formula 1 circuit.