The 2025 season ended painfully for Lewis Hamilton. His first year at Scuderia Ferrari brought struggle rather than glory. At the season finale in Abu Dhabi he made his feelings clear. He plans to disconnect completely during the winter break.
What Hamilton had to say
“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 whether this is a new approach for him, he said he usually kept his phone close. This time he plans to throw it “in the fricking bin.”
A Tough First Season at Ferrari
Hamilton’s move from his long-time team to Ferrari generated huge expectations. Many hoped the pairing of a seven-time champion with Ferrari’s storied history would lead to wins or a title challenge. Instead, 2025 turned into one of his hardest years.
He ended the season with no Grand Prix podiums, a first in his career. His sprint race win in China remained his only race victory of the year. The Abu Dhabi finale ended with an eighth place finish after starting 16th following a crash in practice and elimination in Q1.
He described the season as bruising and emotionally taxing. He said he felt an “unbearable amount of anger and rage” after his final qualifying exit at Yas Marina.
Ferrari overall had a difficult year. The car did not deliver consistent performance. Hamilton struggled to find confidence. He admitted that he did not enjoy the ground-effect cars, nearly ruling out missing them.
Why Hamilton Needs a Break
Hamilton’s call to “unplug” sheds light on what 2025 became for him. Between the pressure, poor results and car issues, the season weighed heavily. He said he is “looking forward to the break” more than anything else.
He expects silence. No calls. No messages. No distractions. For him the break starts by removing his phone. That simple act underlines how badly he needs mental reset.
He said he is not feeling particularly relieved. He said he feels “pretty fresh.” He is ready to move forward.
Some Context on What Went Wrong
Ferrari’s 2025 SF-25 car failed to match expectations. Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, managed better results and occasional podiums. That widened the internal gap. Harry-style hopes gave way to reality as qualifying exits mounted. Hamilton suffered three consecutive first-phase qualifying exits at Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
The final blow came at the Abu Dhabi weekend. A heavy crash in final practice damaged his car. He qualified 16th. The frustrations surfaced in his candid comments about anger and rage.
What His Comments Mean for the Future
Hamilton’s decision to “throw the phone in the bin” is more than symbolic. It shows a man needing space to process a difficult chapter. It signals he may return re-energised next year.
It also signals honesty. He refused to sugar-coat a campaign that disappointed. He admitted he did not enjoy the new cars. He admitted the season hurt.
That honesty may help Ferrari regroup. He said joining Ferrari exposed him to a renewed team spirit and a strong desire to improve.
Final Thoughts
2025 proved one of the hardest seasons in Hamilton’s career. The move to Ferrari did not deliver success. The cars, the results, and the pressure all combined to make it a bruising year. Yet Hamilton’s reaction showed clarity. He declared he will disconnect, step away and heal mentally. His exact words reflect exhaustion and need for reset.
Fans may worry about a star fading. But taking time to reset, reflect and return stronger is a sign of awareness, not weakness. Hamilton’s phone may go in the bin. His focus on 2026 remains open.
