F1 fans divided on Lewis Hamilton's future after tough Ferrari debut

F1 fans are split on whether Lewis Hamilton should retire following a challenging first season with Ferrari, where he failed to secure a single podium finish for the first time in his career. A quarter of fans believe he should retire now, while another quarter think he should continue until he wins a record eighth title.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's future is a major talking point in F1, as the seven-time champion's performance and morale directly impact Ferrari's championship ambitions and the sport's narrative. His decision could reshape the driver market and influence team dynamics for years to come.

The details:

• A fan poll revealed nearly 25% believe Hamilton should retire before the 2026 season, citing his difficult year.
• An equal 25% argue he should continue racing until he secures an unprecedented eighth Drivers' Championship.
• Roughly 22% of respondents feel Hamilton still has "a few more seasons" left in him, regardless of immediate title prospects.
• The remaining votes were split between retiring at the end of 2026 if performance doesn't improve (18.6%) or simply when his Ferrari contract expires (10.2%).

The big picture:

Hamilton himself described the 2025 season as the most difficult of his career, marking a significant shift after years of consistent success with Mercedes. His move to Ferrari was highly anticipated, but the team's ongoing performance struggles have placed immense pressure on both parties. The fan division reflects broader uncertainty about whether Hamilton can return to title-contending form or if his legendary career is nearing its natural conclusion.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Ferrari's development over the winter and Hamilton's adaptability in 2026. The team's ability to provide a competitive car will likely be the decisive factor in whether Hamilton pursues that elusive eighth title or considers stepping away. His performance next season will either silence critics or fuel further retirement speculation.