Lewis Hamilton makes promise on eve of F1 2026 season

Lewis Hamilton has promised there will be “no holding back” as he heads into his second F1 season with Ferrari.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton is looking to bounce back from a bitterly disappointing debut season with Ferrari in which he failed to score a grand prix podium for the first time in his legendary F1 career.

Hamilton was comprehensively beaten by teammate Charles Leclerc and his lacklustre performances and regular negative comments led to questions about his F1 future.

But Hamilton has returned refreshed and reenergised ahead of the 2026 season, which will be his 20th in F1.

The 41-year-old Briton has been in great spirits throughout a positive pre-season for Ferrari, which has raised hopes that Hamilton and the Scuderia could be in the championship mix.

On the eve of the 2026 season, which kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix this weekend, Hamilton insisted he is “still hungry” and remains “focused on the dream”.

“Twenty seasons as an F1 driver. It's hard to even grasp the reality of that number,” Hamilton wrote in a post on Instagram.

"It started with a dream. A dream some called ridiculous and said would never amount to anything. Despite that, the dream never changed, and I never stopped chasing it.

"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. There will always be people who doubt you, people who try to block you, but you can't ever stop fighting.

"Twenty years filled with incredible highs and brutal lows, with more mistakes than I can count. But those mistakes made the journey even sweeter. You hold the power to your destiny. Everything you need to succeed is within you. You will need help along the way, like I did, but that spark, that fire, is already inside you.

"I'm forever grateful for the lessons, the quiet moments, the chaos, and the many people who helped me chase and achieve my dreams.

"I'm grateful for the doubters and for the ones who tried to knock me down, too. I'm still here, 20 years on, still standing, still hungry, still focused on the dream. No holding back.”

Hamilton has been tipped to challenge for a record-breaking eighth world title by former F1 driver Martin Brundle.

"As Formula 1 fans, we always want Ferrari to do well, don't we?," Brundle said. "And I'd love to see that come right for Lewis.

"He seems a bit happier. He will be great at using the tools that are available to him under the new regulations. He's got to beat Charles Leclerc in the other Ferrari, because he's right on it, as well.

"But a happy Lewis has always been, and not just at Ferrari, been a fast Lewis. And I have to say, Ferrari have been quite innovative over the winter, and they look in a better place than we've seen them for a few years now.

"So, I'm confident that Lewis will have a better year."