Lewis Hamilton surprised many this week by revealing that he has been meticulously documenting every mistake made by himself and his Ferrari team throughout the season leading up to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Given the challenging year the seven-time champion has had, the list likely spans enough blunders to fill a significant notepad.
Approaching his 41st birthday in January, Hamilton recognizes the limited opportunities remaining for him to secure an eighth Formula 1 title before retiring. The upcoming 2026 season holds significant importance, prompting him to dedicate the winter period to collaborating with his team to not only develop a competitive car but also to rectify costly errors.
As the season finale approaches, it is a fitting moment to reflect on the errors that have marred Hamilton and Ferrari’s disappointing debut campaign. Despite high expectations at the start of the season, Hamilton’s performance in the red car has been lackluster, exemplified by his 10th place finish in the chaotic season opener in Australia.
Although there was a glimmer of success with a Sprint race win in Shanghai, it was short-lived as both Ferrari drivers faced disqualification in the subsequent Grand Prix. Hamilton’s struggles continued in Barcelona, where a subpar performance led to a disappointing sixth-place finish.
Throughout the season, Hamilton faced challenges with qualifying, notably in Belgium where a rear tyre lock-up impacted his Sprint race performance. His self-criticism was evident in interviews, with comments in Budapest highlighting his frustration with his own performance.
A series of on-track incidents, including crashes and penalties, further compounded Hamilton’s difficulties. Notably, a post-race penalty in Singapore due to brake failure highlighted the team’s misjudgment in managing the car’s brakes.
The season took a further downturn for Hamilton in Baku, where strategic decisions and technical issues led to a disappointing qualifying session. A string of setbacks culminated in Hamilton’s unprecedented last-place qualifying finish in Las Vegas, reflecting a challenging season for the seasoned driver.
Despite his struggles, Hamilton remains determined to end the season on a positive note, aiming for a clean race weekend in the final event. However, continued challenges in qualifying have hindered his performance, marking a challenging end to the year for the veteran driver.
