Lewis Hamilton’s future in Formula 1 has been a topic of discussion ever since his challenging debut season with Ferrari in 2025, and there’s growing belief that 2026 might be his final year on the grid.
Now 41, Hamilton hasn’t looked the same since losing the 2021 title to Max Verstappen. The switch to ground effect cars never really suited him, and he managed just two wins between 2022 and 2025.
His first year with Ferrari in 2025 was tough from start to finish. Even he admitted it wasn’t what he hoped for. Hamilton felt the team ignored his input on the SF-25’s development, which left him struggling to adapt.
He finished sixth overall without a single podium, marking a calendar year without a top-three finish for the first time in his career. Regular Q1 exits became part of the narrative, and during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, he suggested it might be time for someone else to take his seat.
Despite those struggles, Hamilton hasn’t given up. He made significant changes behind the scenes ahead of this season, including bringing in a new race engineer. The new regulations for 2026 could play to his strengths again. But if things don’t improve, stepping away from racing is still very much an option on the table.
Lewis Hamilton may quit F1 if he realises Charles Leclerc is too quick
Hamilton has a contract with Ferrari that runs through the 2027 season, though there’s been speculation he could step away from F1 before then. There was even talk he might call it quits in 2025, but Hamilton shut those rumours down firmly.
However, given his recent form, there’s growing debate about whether the 41-year-old should continue. Bernie Ecclestone even suggested Hamilton retire to avoid tarnishing his legacy.
Some within the sport are starting to draw parallels between Hamilton’s situation and Michael Schumacher’s difficult return with Mercedes when he struggled to compete and didn’t know when to step away.
Stefano Domenicali says Hamilton is feeling confident ahead of the 2026 season and the regulation changes, but Ralf Schumacher thinks that he could ‘pull the plug’ on his career if he cannot match Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc in the first three or four races.
He told Bild: “That’s tough, but possible. Lewis struggled last year. That’s why he wants to prove himself again. But if he realises in the first three or four races that he’s no match for Leclerc or the car, he could pull the plug himself.”
Lewis Hamilton backed to bounce back with Ferrari in 2026
Even if the regulations do end up suiting Hamilton, beating his teammate remains a challenge. Jolyon Palmer noticed during testing that Leclerc seemed more comfortable in the car than Hamilton.
Still, there are plenty who believe the Brit can turn things around and be competitive this season. Lando Norris is confident Hamilton will be back in 2026 and fighting at the front of the grid.
Will Buxton shares that view, predicting that Hamilton will return to top form under the new rules. Pre-season testing has suggested Ferrari are well-positioned for 2026, with their bold technical innovations appearing to give them an edge.
F1 fans have backed Hamilton as the clear favourite for this year’s title. Many believe he can deliver Ferrari their first drivers’ championship since 2007 – and claim a record-breaking eighth title for himself.
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