Lewis Hamilton training routine has become more intense and specific as he competes in Formula 1 at age 40, still striving to perform at the pinnacle of motorsport. Despite a challenging debut season with Ferrari in 2025 and no championship wins in recent years, Hamilton continues to prepare mind and body with relentless discipline.
Hamilton, widely regarded as one of F1’s all-time greats, has faced tough times on the track recently. His transition to Ferrari did not yield the victories he hoped for, but this did not deter him from pushing himself physically. For every race weekend, Hamilton prioritizes strict preparation, which he says is non-negotiable.
Integrating Recovery Into Daily Training
Off-season glimpses into Hamilton’s lifestyle reveal how his approach to fitness has evolved with age and experience. The seven-time Formula 1 champion now treats recovery as an essential part of his regimen, admitting that this was not always the case. While in his early racing years he would complete a demanding workout and immediately move on with his day, he now recognizes that proper physical recovery is critical for continued success, especially as the demands of elite racing remain high at his age.
Hamilton openly discussed the two elements he considers indispensable for recovery: stretching and ice baths. These practices, he insists, help maintain his physical ability to compete against younger drivers, allowing him to arrive at each race weekend feeling strong and prepared.
“Ice baths. 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. So stretching and ice baths – those are the two things that I force myself to do.”
– Lewis Hamilton, Men’s Health
By consistently adding stretching and ice baths to his regimen, Hamilton says he’s gained a vital edge, illustrating how experience and adaptation keep him competitive.
Training as Therapy: Overcoming Doubts and Staying Positive
Even for a champion like Hamilton, doubts and struggles to stay motivated can arise, especially after a season as disappointing as his initial run with Ferrari. Reflecting on a year full of challenges, Hamilton revealed that his rigorous training and focus on recovery helped him ward off thoughts of giving up the sport he loves.
He described training not just as a means to maintain peak physical form, but as a therapeutic outlet and a way to process his thoughts. Running, yoga, and meditation have become crucial for his mental health, according to Hamilton, allowing him to find clarity and positivity during difficult times.
“When I was younger, I think the training was really my therapy – and it still kind of is, particularly the runs. That’s where I get most of my thinking done. Adding things like yoga, adding things like breathwork. Breathwork has probably taken the longest to get into because it takes time. Then meditation. 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.”
– Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton shared that mastering breathwork and meditation, along with enduring ice baths, plays a key role in managing the mental stresses of racing. These tools, together with physical conditioning, reinforce his resolve to keep competing despite setbacks.
Looking Ahead: New Goals and Uncertainties
As Formula 1 looks forward to new regulations in 2026, Hamilton is hopeful for an upturn in his fortunes, despite expressing doubts about the competitive balance under the coming technical changes. For now, he intends to use his off-season to recover, refine his fitness routine, and return with renewed purpose for the next campaign with Ferrari. Through setbacks and triumphs alike, Hamilton’s unyielding dedication to his training remains clear, setting an example not just for his peers but for athletes of every age.
