Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton ended the 2025 season with an encouraging final race. Starting far back due to a poor qualifying session—the third in a row—Hamilton climbed his way up to finish in eighth position.
After the race, the British driver did not offer smiles or winter promises. On the contrary, he made it clear during his post-race media duties at Yas Marina that he plans to fully disconnect over the winter break.
“I’m not particularly relieved that the World Championship is over, no. I feel good, fresh. I can’t wait to enjoy the break. There’s not much to say about this season anymore. Everything I could say, I already said. Now we move forward,” Lewis Hamilton stated once he reached the media zone at Yas Marina.
“Now I’m only looking forward to the break. I just want to unplug, not talk to anyone. No one will be able to contact me this winter. I won’t even have my phone with me. I’m really looking forward to it. Just disconnecting from Matrix. Usually, I always have my phone nearby, but this time it’s going straight in the trash.” – the British driver pointed out.
Having competed in Formula 1 for 18 seasons, Lewis Hamilton admitted that the off-track obligations throughout the season can be exhausting.
“Will disconnecting work? I’ll find out when I do it, but I can’t wait to step away from all of this. Every week, photo shoots and everything else. I can’t wait for the day when I don’t have to do all of that anymore.”
“What drives me most is the love for what I do, the love for racing. I have incredible support from those around me, from my fans. It’s about keeping my dream in sight. I still have a dream that I keep in my heart, and that’s what I work for.” – he added at the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.
Before leaving the media area, Lewis Hamilton made it clear that retirement is not on his mind. He also addressed those speculating about his future, stating that they are not at his level based on his achievements in Formula 1.
“To everyone discussing my retirement (including Nico Rosberg, ed.), I have nothing to say. None of them have done what I’ve done. They’re not even at my level,” Lewis Hamilton concluded.
