“The time for change is now”: Lewis Hamilton opens up about “letting go” after his toughest F1 season. Hamilton turns 41 and sends a message to fans: “Let go of what no longer serves you”.

Forty-one years old and many challenges still to face, not only in Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton is ready to relaunch himself after the most difficult season of his career, the year of his much-anticipated partnership with Ferrari, which so far has failed to deliver the results he was hoping for. Zero podium finishes across the 24 races of his first season in red is an unwanted record that the seven-time world champion is determined to erase with a convincing 2026 campaign.

Lewis Hamilton, a birthday with recharged batteries

After spending a few days on holiday in the snow with family and friends, Lewis Hamilton returned to posting on his social media channels on the day of his 41st birthday, sending a heartfelt message to his fans around the world.

“Another return. I’m incredibly grateful for this break. Time to switch off, recharge and find some inner peace. Time with family and friends, rest and lots of laughter were everything I needed after a very draining year. In a world that moves so fast, where we are constantly being pulled in so many directions. I really disconnected and it was the most incredible feeling.”

“I’m aware that we are entering the year of the horse and leaving behind the year of the snake,” he added, referring to the Chinese zodiac, which assigns an animal to each year. “The time for change is now. Starting new routines, leaving unwanted patterns behind and working on growth. Let go of the things that don’t serve you. This can take time, there will be things you won’t be able to release straight away, but it starts with the first step.”

“Even if the world can feel like a mess, I hope you stay focused on living life to the fullest. Be yourself and never forget who you are. I learned this from so many of you who told me this in 2025, and I will never forget it! Your support means everything to me, and I am here for you too. You are never alone. Let’s live one day at a time, one step at a time.”

With a renewed mindset and a clear focus on self-improvement, the British driver appears ready to tackle the technical revolution of 2026, hoping that the “Year of the Horse” will finally bring the prancing horse of Maranello back to the top step of the podium.