Hamilton: “Satisfied with today’s performance”
Starting from sixteenth, Lewis Hamilton’s comeback to eighth allowed him to approach the winter break with at least some optimism. After another tough qualifying session, Ferrari and Hamilton opted for a daring two-stop strategy, starting on Soft tires to recover positions quickly. “I’m satisfied with today’s performance,” admitted the British driver. “We made good progress, overtook many cars, and managed to get back into the points. The two-stop strategy worked well, so thanks to the team.”
Hamilton showcased his skill early in the race with a spectacular overtake on Carlos Sainz in the sweeping corner before Yas Marina Hotel. “I enjoyed it. I was having fun battling and trying to recover. Starting from where I was and making it back into the points was very challenging, considering how close all the cars are, but the team did a great job. We won with strategy, and I’m happy to take away some points,” he added.
Paying tribute to Lando Norris
Despite finishing the season without a podium, aside from the Sprint victory in Beijing, Lewis Hamilton also lost the unofficial title of last British F1 world champion and the last McLaren driver to do so. Lewis Hamilton personally congratulated Lando Norris during the post-race interview session: “I thought I wouldn’t say much, just that I’m really happy for him. Winning your first world championship is really special, and the UK continues to produce great drivers. I know what it feels like to be in this race fighting for your first title—it’s nerve-wracking, and yes, I’m very proud of him.”
Plans for a winter break: complete rest after a tough year
2025 proved extremely difficult for Lewis Hamilton, who arrived in Maranello with high expectations but struggled to find a connection with the SF-25. While 2026 promises a chance for redemption with a heavily updated car, Lewis Hamilton is focused on resting for now. “After the tests here, I’m looking forward to taking some time off, spending time with my family and friends, and coming back in January more rested and stronger. I’ll sleep a lot, get hugs from my nephews, spend time with family, and focus on my health and sleep,” he explained.
Lewis Hamilton’s upcoming winter mirrors his 2021–2022 break, when he completely withdrew from social media following the heartbreak of narrowly losing the championship at Yas Marina. “At the moment, I don’t have any clear plans for next year. I’m not thinking about it. 2026 isn’t in my plans right now. Right now, I’m focusing on Christmas, family time, being present, and recovering. I want to switch off, talk to no one. Nobody will reach me this winter. I won’t have my phone with me. I can’t wait to disconnect from all this—weekly photo shoots and everything. That’s what I’m looking forward to: not having to do it all,” he said.
When asked about retirement speculation, the Briton responded sharply: “I wouldn’t tell them anything. None of them have done what I’ve done.” Former rival Nico Rosberg offered support, telling Sky Sports F1 UK: “I think he should continue. Quitting now wouldn’t be right. He’s just starting this Ferrari project. Giving up after one season doesn’t work. He needs to continue, try again, and hope to feel comfortable with next year’s car. This year’s car isn’t exceptional. His biggest problem was qualifying pace. In races, we saw flashes of brilliance. It’s just qualifying pace, and with the car being so different next year, he may regain some of that old magic in qualifying.” – the Ferrari man pointed out.
Gratitude to fans and family
Lewis Hamilton closed his reflections by thanking fans and family for their unwavering support during a difficult year: “I’ve received incredible support from so many people traveling all over the world to support me, so my fans have been what pushed me forward; they’ve been a real rock. My mother has been an amazing supporter, and so has my father. I’m lucky to have such wonderful people around me who remind me why I do what I do and not to give up, and I’m really grateful for that.” – the Briton concluded at the end of the final round of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The lights may have gone out on 2025, but Lewis Hamilton’s fire clearly hasn’t. After a winter of total rest, the most successful driver in history will return hungry to write a new chapter in red.
