Lewis Hamilton has outlined the demanding training routine he commits to as he prepares for a stronger second season with Ferrari in Formula 1. The seven-time World Champion aims to improve his performance after a challenging debut year with the historic Italian team.
Hamilton’s first year driving for Ferrari at Maranello was marked by high expectations but limited success. Despite securing a Sprint Race victory at Shanghai, the British driver ended 2025 without a single Grand Prix podium and finished eighth in the championship standings, his lowest position in a decade.
Adapting His Fitness Strategy During the Offseason
Looking ahead to 2026, Hamilton shared insights into how his approach to fitness has changed over time, particularly during the winter break. In an interview with Men’s Health, he described how his routine has shifted and grown more holistic in response to the physical and emotional strains experienced this past season.
“I still love to run – I ran this morning. I did a run which varies between six and eight miles. Then ice bath. But before all that, stretching is the first thing I do as soon as I get out of bed,”
Hamilton said.
He also explained that his training now limits weightlifting to avoid gains that might affect his racing weight, favoring Pilates and yoga instead.
“In the afternoon, I might do a HIIT session, but I can’t really do too much weights because otherwise I get too heavy. So mostly it’s Pilates and yoga.”
Prioritizing Recovery for Greater Resilience
At 40 years old, Hamilton acknowledged that 2025 tested him more than most seasons. He revealed that recovery, which he used to overlook, has become a crucial component of his regimen this time.
“Recovery is something that I never really focused on in the past. I would just do the workout and then go on with my day,”
he admitted.
To aid in recovery, ice baths remain a mandatory part of his schedule.
“So stretching and ice baths – those are the two things that I force myself to do.”
How Training Serves as Mental Therapy During Difficult Periods
Hamilton’s struggles adapting to Ferrari’s SF-25 and integrating with the team weighed heavily on him, yet his established fitness routine has provided stability through challenges. He reflected on how his training has always played a therapeutic role, especially running and breathwork.
“When I was younger, I think the training was really my therapy – and it still kind of is, particularly the runs,”
Hamilton explained.
“That’s where I get most of my thinking done.”
He further described how practices like yoga, meditation, and breath control have become integral to managing the mental demands of racing.
“Adding things like yoga, adding things like breathwork. Breathwork has probably taken the longest to get into because it takes time. Then meditation.”
Ice baths also contribute significantly to his mental strength, helping him control the urge to quit during difficult moments.
“I think the ice bath helps with that, too, because you need to learn to breathe and overcome the thoughts of wanting to give up, wanting to get out. Those things really help me stay positive through the year.”
Expectations for Hamilton’s Second Season with Ferrari
After a difficult inaugural season, Hamilton’s dedication to refining both his physical conditioning and mental resilience points to a more focused approach in 2026. With the Scuderia continuing to enhance their performance, including technical innovations and challenges from rivals like Aston Martin, Hamilton’s training regime could prove pivotal.
His commitment to recovery and a balanced routine underscores an evolution in mindset that may help him reestablish himself as a leading contender. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if the renewed discipline translates to better results on the track for the Briton and Ferrari in the upcoming season.
