The Briton reflects on the importance of believing in oneself: “There will always be people who try to knock you down, but you can never stop fighting.”
The countdown to the new Formula 1 season is almost over. As the paddock gets ready to fire up the engines for the Australian Grand Prix, most fans are focused on the sport’s sweeping rule changes. But for Lewis Hamilton, this year carries a deeper emotional weight.
Just days before he officially begins his next chapter with Ferrari, the seven‑time world champion took to social media with a nostalgic reflection on his two decades in Formula 1 — a milestone he’ll reach in 2026. His post, paired with twenty photos spanning his entire career, reads like a personal time capsule.
“Twenty seasons as an F1 driver. It’s hard to even grasp the reality of that number,” Hamilton wrote. “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.”
He went on to describe the faith and resilience that carried him from his early days at McLaren Mercedes to his historic run at Mercedes and now to Ferrari. The images he shared include moments with Niki Lauda, snapshots with his parents, and scenes from his activism in the paddock — from Black Lives Matter to LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Still hungry at 41
Despite the years, the titles, and the pressure, Hamilton insists the fire is still there. At 41, and now wearing Ferrari red — the dream destination for so many drivers — he says he feels more energized than he did last season.
Looking back, he doesn’t shy away from the tough moments.
“Twenty years filled with incredible highs and brutal lows, with more mistakes than I can count,” he wrote. “But those mistakes made the journey even sweeter. You control your destiny. Everything you need to succeed is already inside you. You’ll need help along the way — I did — but that spark, that fire, is yours.”
Gratitude for the journey — even the hard parts
Hamilton also thanked the people who supported him, and even those who tried to bring him down.
“I’m forever grateful for the lessons, the quiet moments, the chaos, and the many people who helped me chase and achieve my dreams,” he said. “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.”
For a driver who has already rewritten the record books, Hamilton’s message is clear: the story isn’t over. And with Ferrari, he’s hoping the next chapter is just as unforgettable.