Lewis Hamilton enters the 2026 Formula One season with renewed optimism following what he described as the worst campaign of his illustrious career.
The seven-time world champion, now 41, will embark on his 20th season when racing commences in Melbourne this weekend.
“I’m reset and refreshed,” Hamilton declared to his 42.3 million Instagram followers after Ferrari topped the timesheets during Bahrain testing. “For a moment, I forgot who I was, but thanks to you and your support you’re not going to see that mindset again.”
The Italian outfit impressed observers with several innovations, including a striking inverted rear wing design and a smaller turbo that appeared to provide advantages during practice starts.
Lewis Hamilton has insisted he is feeling refreshed ahead of the new season
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Charles Leclerc recorded the fastest single-lap and race simulation times during pre-season running.
Away from the circuit, Hamilton’s personal life has undergone considerable transformation.
The British driver has been romantically linked with Kim Kardashian, though he remained tight-lipped when pressed by journalists in Bahrain, stating it was none of their business.
The pair were spotted together on New Year’s Eve in Aspen, at Estelle Manor in the Cotswolds, at Super Bowl LX, and most recently at the exclusive Amangiri resort in Utah.
Hamilton spent Christmas in Colorado with family, taking his niece and nephew skiing, which he said allowed him to “disconnect, recharge and find a bit of inner peace.”
Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian appeared to confirm their romance at the Super Bowl | NBC
His professional team has also been restructured. Long-time assistant Marc Hynes has departed for Cadillac F1, while race engineer Riccardo Adami has been replaced.
Hamilton himself acknowledged that not having a permanent race engineer bedded in could prove “detrimental to his season.”
Hamilton has undertaken what he describes as the most intensive off-season training programme of his career.
“I’m pushing hard every day to show up stronger than ever this year,” he stated on Instagram. “With lifting, cardio, flexibility and strength training, everything is about progress and endurance and going further than the day before.”
Australian trainer Kylie Tomich has returned to oversee his preparation away from race weekends, handling nutrition, sleep and mindset, while Angela Cullen continues to support him trackside.
The Briton spent much of January living from his motorhome at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters, collaborating with engineers on the SF-26.
Reports state that Hamilton feels the new machine contains “at least a bit of his own DNA,” unlike last year’s car in which he had no developmental input.
Lewis Hamilton suffered a nightmare 2025, failing to finish on a single podium
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Several prominent figures within the sport have backed Hamilton’s championship prospects.
“I don’t want to put any pressure on him but I think Lewis is going to have a fantastic year,” predicted 1992 world champion Nigel Mansell. “He’s a young 41. He’s strong as an ox and super fit.”
Williams driver Alex Albon suggested the new regulations and lighter machinery would suit Hamilton’s driving style, while reigning champion Lando Norris expressed enthusiasm at seeing the veteran “back at the top and fighting.”
Bernie Ecclestone, rarely complimentary towards Hamilton, urged observers to “watch out for Ferrari.”
Lewis Hamilton has been made fourth-favourite to win the title this year
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Bookmakers have installed Hamilton as fourth favourite at 8/1, behind George Russell, Max Verstappen and Leclerc.
Yet doubters recall last year’s promising start before his season collapsed into the first podium-less campaign of his career.
