F1’s most successful ever driver is taking drastic measures this off-season.

F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi
Lewis Hamilton is taking drastic measures (Image: Getty)

Lewis Hamilton plans to go dark during the off-season, throwing his phone ‘in the bin’ and ‘unplugging from the matrix’. The seven-time world champion ended the campaign with a positive comeback drive, but his first year with Ferrari was far from the success that many had anticipated.

Hamilton started the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from 16th on the grid after suffering his third consecutive Q1 elimination in qualifying on Saturday, but made plenty of ground through the opening exchanges after starting on the soft compound tyre.

From there, Hamilton progressed up to eighth place, making the most of Ferrari’s surprisingly impressive race pace at the Yas Marina Circuit. He crossed the line a few seconds behind Haas’ Esteban Ocon, narrowly missing out on P7, while team-mate Charles Leclerc was classified P4, one place away from a podium to end the year.

This was the final kick in the teeth for Ferrari, who slumped to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship standings. The season was particularly testing for Hamilton, who went without a podium for the first time in his legendary career.

“At the moment, I’m only looking forward to the break,” Hamilton said in the media pen after the race. “Just disconnecting, not speaking to anyone. No one’s going to be able to get a hold of me this winter.

“I won’t have my phone with me. I’m looking forward to that. Just completely unplugged from the matrix. I’ve generally always had it around, but this time it is going in the fr***ing bin.”

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Hamilton took some joy from Lando Norris’ title win (Image: Getty)

While Hamilton was unable to take any positives from his first season as a Ferrari driver, the Stevenage-born racer could at least smile at the news that fellow Brit Lando Norris became the country’s 11th F1 world champion, and McLaren’s first since his own maiden title in 2008.

“I mean, I’ve been asked a bit, and I was thinking of not saying too much, really, just other than I’m really, really happy for him,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1 when asked about Norris’ moment of glory in Abu Dhabi.

“Winning your first World Championship is truly special. The UK continues to pump out great drivers. I know what the feeling is coming into this race and fighting for your first championship – it’s nerve-racking. I’m just really proud of him. Before the weekend, I told him what he’s been doing works, so don’t change anything.”