Lewis Hamilton expressed his optimism ahead of the 2026 Formula One season following last year's struggles, insisting that "you won't see that person again".

The seven-time world champion endured a difficult debut campaign with Ferrari in 2025, failing to finish on the podium in a season for the first time in his illustrious career.

Hamilton's best finish in a race was fourth, which he managed at four different races last year, while he ended the campaign by crossing the line in eighth in Abu Dhabi. 

However, following the newly implemented regulations for the 2026 F1 season, Ferrari are hopeful of delivering a competitive car for both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

Hamilton, who will be racing in his 20th F1 campaign, revealed he has full confidence in both himself and the team ahead of this weekend's Australian Grand Prix.

"I believe in myself that I've put more work in than anyone around me. And I believe in myself," Hamilton said. "Rediscovering myself was really a big part of it as well.

Right this way  pic.twitter.com/kCNwKgDnzU

— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) March 5, 2026

"As I said in one of my [Instagram] posts, I kind of lost sight for a second of who I was. And that person's gone. You won't see that person again.

"It's massively different to the first year. And it's a much nicer feeling coming, having spent a year with the team, understanding the culture, understanding ways, finding ways of working together.

"We're in a good place now together as a team. And I feel very gelled with the team today. I'm much happier.

"We're leaving behind the bad and taking the head, moving forward with the good. We're sharp, prepared and we know what we need to do.

"But we also know there are massive challenges for all of us with the new rules and regulations."

Hamilton will arrive in Melbourne with confidence, given he is the driver with the most pole positions at the Australian Grand Prix (eight), only having more in Hungary (nine).

However, the Briton has only achieved one pole position in the last 93 races he has competed in (Hungary 2023), and has not achieved one in Australia since 2019.