On Thursday evening at Yas Marina, Scuderia Ferrari gathered for their customary end-of-season photo ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 7. The moment marked the conclusion of Lewis Hamilton’s first year in red — a season that began with enormous expectation following his high-profile departure from Mercedes, but ultimately turned into a campaign defined by hard lessons, inconsistency and a clear reminder of how competitive modern Formula 1 has become.
Hamilton arrived hoping to fight at the front, yet podium finishes proved rare and McLaren’s relentless pace in the constructors’ standings kept Ferrari under constant pressure. The seven-time world champion described the year as “a test of resilience”, a phrase that neatly encapsulates a season in which Ferrari often showed flashes of strong performance but struggled to convert them into results when it mattered most.
Despite the on-track frustrations, the team photo revealed another side of the Maranello squad. Clips shared by Ferrari showed the usual behind-the-scenes mayhem: mechanics joking as they lined up, engineers rushing into formation, and Lewis Hamilton laughing with staff as everyone settled into place. It was a reminder that, even in difficult seasons, team spirit remains the backbone of the Prancing Horse.
The picture also symbolised a moment of transition. With the 2026 regulations approaching — and development work already underway — Ferrari is focused on ensuring Lewis Hamilton’s second season begins on a far stronger footing. Internally, the atmosphere is said to be positive, with the team encouraged by progress on next year’s direction and Hamilton more integrated than ever inside the Maranello structure.
As the photograph captured the entire Ferrari family standing together under the Abu Dhabi lights, it offered a snapshot of unity at the end of a demanding campaign. For Lewis Hamilton, it was the closing chapter of a tough debut year that nonetheless strengthened the foundations of his partnership with Ferrari. And for the team, it was a reminder that even through adversity, the spirit of the Scuderia endures — already looking toward the future and the fresh opportunities that lie ahead.
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