Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 champion, is set to embark on a radical digital detox this winter, declaring his intention to “unplug from the matrix” after a tumultuous season with Ferrari. This past year has been nothing short of a nightmare for Hamilton, whose struggles saw him finish off the podium for the first time in his illustrious career, trailing a staggering 86 points behind his teammate Charles Leclerc in the Drivers’ Championship.
Describing 2025 as “the worst season ever,” Hamilton is ready to completely disconnect from the relentless pressures of Formula 1 following Tuesday’s tyre test in Abu Dhabi. He plans to shut out the world until just before pre-season testing kicks off at the end of January. “At the moment, I’m only looking forward to the break,” Hamilton said after managing an impressive recovery to finish eighth in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, having started from a dismal 16th place. “Just disconnecting, not speaking to anyone. No one will be able to get in touch with me this winter. I won’t have my phone with me and I’m looking forward to that. Completely unplug from the matrix.”
In a striking admission, Hamilton revealed that he has never gone without his phone for such an extended period. “No, I’ve generally always had it around. But this time, it’s going in the freaking bin,” he quipped, underscoring his desire for a complete mental reset.
Hamilton’s struggles have been well-documented, with the driver facing a shocking series of eliminations during qualifiers, including a first-ever last place finish in Las Vegas. He expressed an “unbearable amount of anger and rage” following his latest Q1 knockout but credits his loyal fans and supportive family for keeping him grounded amid the chaos. “I’ve had amazing support from so many people that have traveled around the world, sending messages,” he shared. “My fans have been the thing that have kept me going, they really have been the rock. My mum has been phenomenal and my dad and my family. I would say, just luckily, I’ve got those good people around me.”
Ferrari entered the 2025 season with high hopes after narrowly missing out on the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren. However, team principal Frederic Vasseur acknowledged early on that the season would be a tough battle. “Honestly, the season was difficult but it was true from Day 1 in Bahrain that the pace was not magic,” Vasseur stated. The team faced a series of setbacks, including disqualifications and a slow start that left them trailing McLaren by over 100 points after just a few races.
While Ferrari managed some recovery efforts mid-season, the challenges presented by minor errors proved crippling. “At the end of the day, a small mistake or not being in the right window and you are out in Q1,” Vasseur noted, highlighting the razor-thin margins that defined their season.
With the 2026 season on the horizon, fans are eager to see how Hamilton will recharge during his digital hiatus and whether he can return to form. The upcoming season promises to be intense, with the first race set to take place in Australia from March 6-8. Will Hamilton return rejuvenated and ready to reclaim his place amongst the F1 elite? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: this champion is ready to take a bold step back from the limelight.
