Lewis Hamilton made a surprising revelation this week before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, disclosing that he has been meticulously documenting every mistake made by himself and his Ferrari team throughout the year. Given the challenging season experienced by the seven-time champion, there seems to be an extensive list of errors that could fill up a sizable notepad.
Approaching his 41st birthday in January, Hamilton acknowledges the limited chances remaining to secure an eighth Formula 1 title before retirement. The upcoming 2026 season holds significant importance for him, prompting a dedicated effort during the winter period with his team to not only develop a competitive car but also rectify the costly blunders made.
As the season finale approaches, it is an apt time to reflect on the errors committed by Hamilton and Ferrari during what has been a disappointing debut season. Despite high expectations at the outset, Hamilton’s start in the red car was lackluster, finishing only 10th with a single point due to inclement weather conditions causing confusion.
A highlight of Hamilton’s year was his victory in the Sprint race in Shanghai, providing hope for success with Ferrari. However, this remained his lone triumph. In contrast, Ferrari faced a setback when both drivers were disqualified from a subsequent Grand Prix due to technical issues.
While some errors were attributed to Ferrari, Hamilton took responsibility for a subpar performance at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Struggling with qualifying and race performance, Hamilton faced criticism for his lackluster results, particularly in Belgium where multiple incidents hampered his performance.
Hamilton’s struggles continued throughout the season, including incidents in Budapest, Monza, Baku, and Singapore, where a combination of personal errors and team misjudgments affected his race outcomes. Despite occasional bright moments, Hamilton’s overall season was marred by a series of setbacks, indicating the need for improvement in the upcoming season.
As Hamilton aims to learn from past mistakes and enhance his performance, the 2026 season holds significance as he navigates the challenges of competitive racing in pursuit of another title.