'No regrets’: Hamilton revives his spirits after Las Vegas low

Lewis Hamilton has arrived in Qatar with a noticeably lighter step, brushing off the gloom that hung over the end of his Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend and speaking with fresh optimism about the future – 2026 included.

After a bruising run of form and a weekend in Vegas he described as his “worst season ever,” the seven-time world champion has reset his mindset and is ready to push forward with Ferrari.

Post-race in Sin City – where he qualified last but still managed to claw his way back to P10 – the seven-time world champion appeared in a blue funk, confessing he felt “terrible” and describing his season as “the worst ever”.

In the heat of that disappointment, he also admitted he was “not looking forward” to 2026 – an unusually bleak comment from a driver who has built his legacy on resilience.

From Vegas Frustration to Renewed Optimism

Ahead of this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, Hamilton clarified his remarks with a calmness that signaled a dramatic shift in mood.

"I'd be surprised if the other drivers are excited about next year at the end of a season - because you usually don't have a lot of energy at the end of a season," he said. "Looking forward to time with family and stuff."

He explained that his post-race comments came from emotion, not conviction.

"Look, that's just in the heat of frustration. Often there's a lot of frustration at the end of races, but particularly when they haven't gone well. So no, I'm excited to see what the team build next year and to continue to build on with them.”

‘No Regrets’ About Ferrari Switch

Despite a challenging maiden season with Ferrari – one in which he’s still hunting for his first podium – Hamilton insists there is no doubt in his mind that he made the right move.

"I gelled in the team, there's amazing passion within the team and there's a good focus for next year," he said.

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And when asked whether he regretted leaving Mercedes, the team with which he earned six of his seven titles, Hamilton’s answer was firm.

"I don't regret the decision I made joining the team. I know it takes time to build and grow within an organisation, and I expected that."

Hamilton’s words suggest a man who has finally steadied himself after months of frustration, and who is now looking toward the future with genuine anticipation. The doom-laden tone from Las Vegas has been replaced by renewed belief – both in his new team and in the path ahead.

In Qatar, Hamilton may not yet have the machinery to challenge for victory. But he certainly has his spark... for now.

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