Lewis Hamilton vows ‘no holding back’ as Ferrari driver starts 20th F1 season
Lewis Hamilton vows ‘no holding back’ as Ferrari driver starts 20th F1 season
Lewis Hamilton has declared he remains "still hungry" and "focused on the dream" as he prepares to begin his 20th Formula 1 season at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion enters his second campaign with Ferrari looking to bounce back from a challenging debut year with the Scuderia.
Hamilton failed to record a single podium finish during the previous season, marking a statistical low point in his illustrious career.
However, the Italian team have arrived in Melbourne heavily tipped to challenge Mercedes at the front of the grid following impressive pre-season testing.
‘Belief that doesn’t break’
Writing on social media ahead of the season opener, the 41-year-old reflected on his two decades at the pinnacle of motorsport.
"Twenty seasons as an F1 driver. It’s hard to even grasp the reality of that number."
The Briton emphasised the resilience required to maintain longevity in the sport, alluding to the criticism he has faced recently.
"A dream has to be matched with action and, above all, belief. Belief that doesn’t break no matter what’s thrown in your face or what you come up against."
Hamilton admitted that his journey has contained "more mistakes than I can count" but insisted those errors have made the experience sweeter.
"I’m still here, 20 years on, still standing, still hungry, still focused on the dream. No holding back."
New era offers fresh hope
The 2026 season marks the introduction of significant new technical regulations, which often shakes up the competitive order.
Sky Sports F1 analyst Anthony Davidson believes the handling characteristics of the new generation of cars could favour the veteran driver.
"Lewis has found things tough the last couple of years. Let’s see if he can bounce back with this new iteration of cars."
"I believe they’re going to suit his style more."
Hamilton feels "re-set and refreshed" as he bids to banish the disappointments of last year and return to the front of the field.
