Lewis Hamilton has said "the time for change is now" for Ferrari as he sent a defiant message ahead of the new Formula One season, which begins in March. 

Hamilton swapped Mercedes for the Scuderia ahead of the 2025 campaign, but he failed to deliver, often describing his debut year with the team as a "nightmare". 

The seven-time world champion endured his first season in F1 without managing a single podium, with his best finish being fourth, which came in four separate races. 

He also finished sixth in the Drivers' Championship with 156 points, his lowest overall tally since the point scoring system offered 25 for a race victory back in 2010. 

Hamilton had a digital detox during the off-season but made a pledge and referenced the Chinese New Year, with 2026 the year of the horse, fitting for Ferrari. 

"The time for change is now," Hamilton posted to Instagram on his 41st birthday. "Starting new routines, leaving behind unwanted patterns and working on growth.

"Let go of things that don't serve you. This can take time, there will be things you can't get rid of immediately, but it starts with the first step.

"Even though the world can seem like a mess, I hope that you're staying focused on living life to the fullest. Be you and never forget who you are.

"I learnt that from many of you who told me this in 2025, and I'll never forget again!

"Your support means the world to me, and I'm here for you too. You are never alone. Let's take it one day at a time, one step at a time."

 

 

 

 

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Hamilton was largely outperformed by team-mate Charles Leclerc, who finished on the podium seven times, tallying 242 points to finish fifth in the drivers' standings in 2025. 

The Briton put pen to paper on a multi-year deal and is out for a record-breaking eighth world title, which would see him surpass F1 legend Michael Schumacher. 

Ferrari, meanwhile, will be out for a first Drivers' Championship title since 2007, when Kimi Raikkonen beat Hamilton to the top prize by a single point in the final race. 

The Scuderia have won the most constructors' titles in the competition (16), but have not won the team award since 2008, when Felipe Massa and Raikkonen were at the wheel.