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. The challenging season for the seven-time champion likely resulted in a substantial list of mistakes to reflect on.
Hamilton, who will turn 41 in January, understands the limited opportunities he has left to vie for an eighth Formula 1 title before his retirement. The upcoming 2026 season holds significant importance for him, motivating him to collaborate with his team diligently over the winter to not only develop a fast car but also rectify previous costly blunders.
As the season concludes, it is a fitting moment to revisit some of the missteps made by Hamilton and Ferrari during what has been a disappointing inaugural campaign. Despite high expectations at the beginning of the season, Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari was lackluster, finishing 10th in his first Grand Prix due to weather-related challenges that caught the team off guard.
A bright spot in Hamilton’s year came in Shanghai, where he claimed victory in the Sprint race. However, Ferrari’s fortunes took a downturn when both drivers were disqualified from a subsequent Grand Prix due to technical violations. Hamilton also faced personal setbacks, notably in Barcelona, where a poor performance led to a disappointing finish.
Qualifying continued to pose challenges for Hamilton, with incidents in Belgium and Hungary highlighting his struggles. His self-critical nature was evident in his remarks after various races, acknowledging his role in the team’s underperformance. Despite occasional flashes of success, Hamilton faced setbacks, including a last-place qualifying result in Las Vegas due to a miscommunication with the team.
As the season drew to a close, Hamilton aimed to salvage some positivity but faced further difficulties in practice and qualifying sessions. These struggles culminated in a series of disappointing performances, emphasizing the need for improvement in the upcoming season.