Lewis Hamilton might be contemplating a surprising exit from Formula 1 after 2025 if things don’t improve with Ferrari.
- Ralf Schumacher speculates that Hamilton’s struggles with Ferrari could prompt an early retirement decision.
- Hamilton’s disappointing season includes a disqualification in China and not finishing above fifth in races, adding pressure.
- His contract with Ferrari reportedly extends until 2026, yet there’s buzz about a possible earlier exit.
- Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur remains optimistic about Hamilton’s potential despite current challenges.
Lewis Hamilton’s shift to Ferrari was initially seen as a thrilling career move, but recent performances suggest otherwise. Ralf Schumacher, according to his conversations and observations, hints that Hamilton may soon be questioning his continued involvement in the sport, especially given his recent results.
Hamilton’s early win in the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race was anticipated to ignite some momentum, but it fizzled out swiftly when he was disqualified from the main event. Subsequently, Hamilton has struggled to stand out, with his best finish being fifth. His recent race in Saudi Arabia was particularly telling, finishing seventh, significantly trailing his teammate Charles Leclerc, who secured a podium.
The exact terms of Hamilton’s contract with Ferrari remain somewhat opaque, though it’s widely believed to last until the end of 2026. Despite this, Schumacher believes Hamilton may not proceed beyond this year. Schumacher cites Hamilton’s inability to handle the car, suggested visible frustration, and comparing him unfavorably with peers like Lando Norris, as telling signs of imminent departure. Hamilton’s predicament: “If it goes on like this, there’s a risk that at some point he’ll say: ‘Look, I don’t want this anymore. I’m 40 years old. I’m so rich, I’m not doing this to myself anymore.'”
Fred Vasseur, head of the Ferrari team, is quick to come to Hamilton’s defense, advocating for his talent that flourished before. Vasseur underscores that Hamilton’s challenges with Ferrari are linked to balance and tire issues, which the team is working to address. Vasseur remains fiercely aligned with Hamilton, indicating a steadfast belief in a turnaround.
Vasseur passionately refutes any notion of Hamilton’s rapid decline, firmly asserting that the nature of competition means facing highs and lows. He points to similar struggles from top competitors, like Max Verstappen, suggesting that Hamilton’s current phase is not unusual in the racing world. Vasseur’s reassurance, echoing a supportive approach, aims to stave off concerns about Hamilton’s potential withdrawal from the scene.
As speculation swirls around the potential early retirement of Lewis Hamilton, the Formula 1 world watches closely to see if he can overcome current challenges and reignite his career with Ferrari.
