Lewis Hamilton delivers powerful 'time for change' birthday message

Lewis Hamilton has delivered a powerful message ahead of the new Formula 1 season as he celebrates his 41st birthday.

Hamilton suffered a miserable maiden campaign with Ferrari in 2025, following his 12-year stint with Mercedes, a team with whom he won six of his seven F1 drivers' titles.

For the first time in Hamilton's 19-season career, he failed to collect a single grand prix podium, with his only high point when he won the sprint ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix over the second race weekend of the year.

Following that, the British driver struggled for form and results, notably as Ferrari ended aerodynamic development of its SF-25 at the end of April after appreciating it was not a title contender.

That left Hamilton struggling with a car he had only just started to get to grips with, and with a new team of people behind him.

By the end of the year, Hamilton was left bereft of enthusiasm, stating specifically after the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that he would be throwing his mobile phone in a bin as he did not want to hear from anyone, and to be left alone in peace.

Over four weeks since the season concluded, Hamilton has returned to social media - on the day he turns 41 - to deliver strong words as he gets set to embark on a second season with Ferrari.

"Another return," said Hamilton, via a post on Instagram. "I’m incredibly grateful for this break. Time to disconnect, recharge and find a bit of inner peace. Time with family and friends.

"Replenishing with rest and good laughs has been everything I needed after a very draining year. 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.

"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. Starting new routines, leaving behind unwanted patterns and working on growth.

"Let go of things that don’t serve you. This can take time. There will be things you can’t get rid of immediately, but it starts with the first step.

"Even though the world can seem like a mess, I hope that you’re staying focused on living life to the fullest.

"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!

"Your support means the world to me, and I’m here for you, too. You are never alone. Let’s take it one day at a time, one step at a time."

See Hamilton's full post below!