Lewis Hamilton reveals winter break plans: 'Phone going in the bin'

Lewis Hamilton has shed light on his plans for the F1 winter break, stating he will be uncontactable as he prepares for the new season.

Hamilton endured a highly difficult year at Ferrari, labelling it the most difficult season he has had in his 18-year association with F1.

The seven-time champion failed to secure a podium finish during the year, marking the first season in his career that he has failed to do so.

While Ferrari slipped back in the pecking order, Hamilton was largely outpaced by team-mate Charles Leclerc - a seven-year Ferrari veteran.

With the season now behind him, Hamilton expressed his desire to switch off as he aims to reset for the new campaign.

“I don’t particularly feel relieved,” Hamilton said after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. “I feel fine.

“I feel pretty fresh. I’m just looking forward to the break.

When asked by RacingNews365 how he reflects on the season, Hamilton replied: “I don’t. I’ve said all I can about this season already. Just moving forward.”  

Next year, the sport will undergo a major technical change with new power units and aerodynamic rules coming into play.

It presents a major opportunity for all teams to take a considerable step forward in the pecking order.

As he prepares for the new campaign, Hamilton highlighted he will go as far as detaching himself from his social spaces by getting rid of his phone.

“At the moment, I’m looking forward to the break, to disconnecting, not speaking to anyone,” he said.

“No one will be able to get hold of me this winter. I won’t have my phone with me, I’m looking forward to that.

“I would say I’ve generally always had it around. But this time, it’s going in the frickin bin.”