Lewis Hamilton's contract with Ferrari reportedly includes a controversial clause allowing him to extend his stay into the 2027 F1 season, regardless of his performance. This places the power to continue largely in Hamilton's hands, potentially leaving Ferrari with limited say.
Why it matters
This revelation comes amidst Hamilton's challenging start with Ferrari in the 2025 season. Despite a pole position and victory in the China sprint race, he has yet to secure a podium finish in 14 appearances and trails teammate Charles Leclerc by 42 points. His recent candid remarks about his performance and team issues highlight growing pressure.
The big picture
Hamilton joined Ferrari for the 2025 season in a highly anticipated move, marking only his second team change in his illustrious career. While initially announced as a 'multi-year' deal, it was widely assumed to be for two seasons, concluding at the end of 2026. However, reports from F1-Insider, citing La Gazzetta dello Sport, suggest a clause granting Hamilton the option for a third year. This means his future beyond 2026 is entirely his decision, even if his current struggles continue.
What's next
Despite recent frustrations, Hamilton has actively engaged with Ferrari's leadership, submitting proposals for car and team structure changes. He is determined to avoid the fate of champions like Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, who failed to win titles with Ferrari. Hamilton's goal is to ensure his tenure with the Scuderia culminates in success, signaling a long-term commitment despite the option to extend. His focus remains on challenging every aspect of the team to unlock its full potential.