Lewis Hamilton said he will ‘throw his phone in the bin’ during the winter break after the seven-time world champion’s nightmare debut season with Ferrari finally came to an end
Lewis Hamilton stated he will ‘throw his phone in the bin’ after his nightmare debut Ferrari season finally came to an end.
The seven-time world champion has endured a painful first year in red after completing his childhood dream to race for Ferrari. But the gamble to end his successful partnership as a Mercedes driver has not paid off.
Hamilton did enjoy a resurgence in the Grand Prix on Sunday, cutting his way through the field to finish eighth from 16th on the grid. However, the long and frustrating campaign has visibly taken its toll on the 40-year-old this season, with Hamilton admitting numerous times he couldn’t wait to see the back of the season.
Speaking after the season finale in Abu Dhabi, where he confirmed sixth place in the F1 standings, Hamilton said: “At the moment, I’m only looking forward to the break. Just disconnecting, not speaking to anyone.
“No one’s going to be able to get a hold of me this winter. I won’t have my phone with me. I’m looking forward to that. Just completely unplugged from the matrix.”
Asked if he had taken that approach in a winter break previously, he added: “Not particularly. I wouldn’t say that. No, I’ve generally always had it around, but this time it’s going in the fricking bin.”
Hamilton took no comfort in finishing in the points, as he added: “I don’t particularly feel relieved, no. I feel fine. I feel pretty fresh. I’m just looking forward to the break. I’ve said all I can about this season already, so there’s not much more to add to it. Just move forward.”
Meanwhile, Hamilton revealed he advised Lando Norris not to change his pre-race routine ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after sharing his expertise with the McLaren driver, who secured the 2025 Drivers’ Championship after claiming third place on Sunday at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Norris entered the season finale holding a 12-point lead over Max Verstappen and a 16-point cushion over teammate Oscar Piastri, having missed a chance to seal the title in Qatar. Nevertheless, he delivered when it mattered most under enormous pressure on Sunday, crossing the finish line to hand McLaren their first Drivers’ Championship since Hamilton’s triumph in 2007.
Prior to the race weekend, Hamilton offered his fellow Brit some crucial guidance. “I mean, I’ve been asked a bit, and I was thinking of not saying too much, really, just other than I’m really, really happy for him,” the Ferrari driver told Sky Sports F1 in the media pen.
“Winning your first World Championship is truly special. The UK continues to pump out great drivers. I know what the feeling is coming into this race and fighting for your first championship – it’s nerve-racking. I’m just really proud of him. Before the weekend, I told him what he’s been doing works, so don’t change anything.”