Lewis Hamilton has marked his 41st birthday with a heartfelt Instagram message, reflecting on what he termed a "very draining year" whilst signalling renewed determination ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign.
The seven-time world champion, preparing for his second season with Ferrari, broke his self-imposed social media silence to address supporters directly and appearing to end rumours of an early retirement.
"I'm conscious that we're entering the Year of the Horse and leaving behind the Year of the Snake. The time for change is now," Hamilton wrote. "Starting new routines, leaving behind unwanted patterns and working on growth."
The Chinese zodiac reference carries particular resonance given Ferrari's famous Prancing Horse emblem.
Lewis Hamilton has revealed a positive message ahead of the new season
|PA
Hamilton expressed profound gratitude for his winter break, describing the opportunity to "disconnect, recharge and find a bit of inner peace" as precisely what he required following his challenging debut campaign at Maranello.
Hamilton's inaugural season in red proved nothing short of disastrous by his extraordinary standards.
For the first time across his remarkable 19-year career, the British driver failed to secure a single grand prix podium finish.
His sole moment of triumph came at the Shanghai International Circuit, where he claimed victory in the sprint race during the second weekend of the campaign.
The Briton himself described the experience as a "nightmare" and "the worst season ever."
Ferrari's decision to halt aerodynamic development of the SF-25 at the end of April, having recognised the car lacked title-winning potential, left Hamilton grappling with machinery he had barely begun to understand.
He ultimately finished sixth in the drivers' championship, comprehensively outperformed by teammate Charles Leclerc, who managed seven podium appearances.
The veteran racer had made clear his intentions following the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, declaring he would discard his mobile phone and seek solitude away from public attention.
"Time with family and friends replenishing with rest and good laughs has been everything I needed after a very draining year," Hamilton shared.
His Instagram post featured images and footage from a snowboarding holiday, including a clip praising his niece Willow as she demonstrated her abilities on the ice.
"In a world that moves so fast, where we're constantly being pulled in so many directions, truly disconnecting has been the most amazing feeling," he added.
The digital detox lasted over four weeks before the birthday message signalled his return to public life.
Lewis Hamilton had a nightmare campaign with Ferrari
| REUTERSThe 2026 campaign offers Hamilton a genuine opportunity for redemption, with sweeping regulatory changes creating what amounts to a clean slate for all competitors.
Ferrari will unveil their new challenger on 23rd January, just three days before private pre-season testing commences.
Hamilton remains committed to the Scuderia on a multi-year contract, with his sights firmly set on securing an unprecedented eighth world championship.
Teammate Leclerc has emphasised the significance of the forthcoming season, declaring it represents a "now or never" moment for Ferrari to deliver a championship-worthy machine.
"Be you and never forget who you are. I learnt that from many of you who told me this in 2025, and I'll never forget again!" Hamilton concluded. "Your support means the world to me."