Lewis Hamilton sends emotional message to Ferrari as he reflects on tough first season with the team

Lewis Hamilton has taken a moment to reflect on his first year with Ferrari ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The seven-time Formula 1 champion joined the Maranello outfit in 2025 after a 12-year stint with Mercedes, during which he achieved six of his seven titles.

Hamilton started the year on a high note with a sprint race victory during the second round in China. But as he struggled to adapt to the Ferrari machinery and team, his best achievement in a grand prix was fourth in the Emilia Romagna, Austrian, British and United States Grands Prix.

"That’s nearly the season done," Hamilton posted on Instagram. The note came alongside a video of him, team principal Fred Vasseur, his team-mate Charles Leclerc and the full Ferrari track team photo.

"It’s surreal to be a part of this team, and through the ups and downs this year has been life-changing. I’ll have more time after this weekend to really meditate on the season, but for now I want to thank everyone on this team for showing up every day and constantly striving for success. We will get there and we will do it together. Full focus on the last race, talk soon."

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Hamilton noted the team spirit within the Vasseur-led team and revealed he was looking forward to turning his focus to the 2026 season next week.

"At Ferrari I’ve found the best team spirit of my driving career, and there is a great desire to make progress.

"This year, all of us working together, we’ve learned a lot, and we hope that this experience will prove valuable next season. Starting next week, we’ll be fully focused on 2026. We’ll give everything, working as one to be as prepared as possible for the biggest change to the regulations in the history of the category."

Hamilton finished the second practice session in Abu Dhabi in 14th after sitting out FP1 to allow Leclerc's brother, Arthur Leclerc, the spot.

Watch: F1 Update: Norris hits the ground running in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen “not in a comfortable situation”

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