Lewis Hamilton surprised many this week by revealing that he has been meticulously documenting every mistake he and his Ferrari team made throughout the year. Given the challenging season he has had as a seven-time champion, it is likely that the list is quite extensive.
Approaching his 41st birthday in January, Hamilton understands 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 a focused effort to collaborate with his team to rectify errors and build a competitive car.
As the season draws to a close, reflecting on the errors made by Hamilton and Ferrari during their disappointing debut campaign becomes relevant. Despite high expectations at the start, Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari was lackluster, finishing 10th in the Grand Prix due to misjudgments in weather conditions.
A notable highlight for Hamilton in an otherwise challenging year was his victory in the Sprint race in Shanghai, showcasing glimpses of potential success with Ferrari. However, setbacks followed, including disqualifications for technical infractions and personal performance struggles.
Hamilton faced criticism for underperforming in various races, with qualifying proving to be a consistent challenge. Instances like a track limits violation in Belgium and a crash in Monza highlighted his struggles throughout the season.
Despite moments of promise, such as Leclerc’s pole position in Hungary, Hamilton’s self-criticism and struggles persisted. Errors in strategy and car handling led to disappointing results, with post-race penalties and technical mishaps adding to the setbacks.
The season saw a mix of on-track errors and strategic miscalculations, culminating in a series of challenges for Hamilton and Ferrari. From qualifying mishaps to post-race penalties, the season underscored the need for improvement and a more consistent performance from both driver and team.