Hamilton Commits to All-Out Effort in His 20th Formula One Season

Casey Halston

Published: March 7, 2026 2:30 AM ET

Hamilton Commits to All-Out Effort in His 20th Formula One Season

The 2023 Formula One season marks a significant milestone for Lewis Hamilton as it is his 20th year in the sport. The 41-year-old British driver will kick off this new chapter in Melbourne, where his career began in 2007 with McLaren. This race will be his 381st, following a year where he faced unprecedented challenges.

Hamilton’s Journey

Lewis Hamilton has achieved remarkable success in Formula One, holding the record with 105 Grand Prix wins. However, his previous season was unusually challenging, as he did not secure a single podium finish for the first time in his storied career.

Reflecting on a Legendary Career

Entering this new season, Hamilton has expressed a positive mindset. On social media, he reflected on his two decades in Formula One, emphasizing his resilience. He stated:

“Twenty seasons as an F1 driver. It’s hard to even grasp the reality of that number.”
“There will always be people who doubt you, but you can’t ever stop fighting.”
“I’m still here, 20 years on, still standing, still hungry.”

His words highlight his gratitude for the journey, including the lessons learned and the obstacles faced.

Anticipation for the New Season

This year’s opening race has generated significant excitement due to groundbreaking changes in regulations affecting chassis, engine, and aerodynamic designs. Teams have made extensive modifications since last season, leading to uncertainty about performance levels.

Team Dynamics and Expectations

Pre-season testing in Barcelona and Bahrain showcased potential frontrunners, with McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes poised to dominate. Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, expressed optimism based on their testing results.