F1 Live: Hamilton's Ferrari Future Questioned, FIA Clears Lawson in Mexico Incident

Rumors are swirling that Lewis Hamilton's tenure at Ferrari may not extend beyond 2026, as paddock insiders suggest his current performance level might not warrant a contract extension. This comes amidst a challenging debut season where he lags significantly behind teammate Charles Leclerc. Meanwhile, the FIA has officially exonerated Liam Lawson from any blame in the recent near-miss incident with marshals at the Mexico City Grand Prix, directly refuting earlier claims by the Mexican motorsport federation.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari was one of the most talked-about transfers in F1 history, expected to reignite his career and bring glory to the Scuderia. Doubts about his long-term future so early in his Ferrari journey highlight the immense pressure and performance demands in Formula 1. On another front, the FIA's swift and firm response regarding the Mexico incident underscores the critical importance of marshal safety and driver conduct, ensuring clear accountability and preventing misattributions.

The Details:

• Hamilton's Contract Speculation: Senior paddock figures have reportedly indicated to ESPN that Ferrari might not offer Lewis Hamilton a contract extension beyond his current multi-year deal, which runs through 2026.
• Challenging Debut Season: Hamilton's first season with Ferrari has been difficult, with him currently 64 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc in the standings.
• Podium Drought: He is still searching for his first Grand Prix podium with the Scuderia, a streak now extending past 20 race weekends.
• Head-to-Head Comparison: The 40-year-old seven-time world champion has also been outperformed by Leclerc in both qualifying sessions and Grand Prix races.
• FIA Clears Lawson: The FIA released a statement on Friday, confirming that Liam Lawson was not at fault for the dangerous near-miss incident involving two marshals at Turn 1 during the Mexico City Grand Prix.
• Telemetry Analysis: The governing body's analysis of telemetry data showed that Lawson "slowed appropriately and reacted correctly to the double yellow flags displayed in the area, braking earlier than in other laps and passing significantly slower than racing speed into Turn 1."
• Rebuttal to Mexican Federation: This statement directly contradicts an earlier claim by the Mexican motorsport federation, which had assigned blame to Lawson for the incident.

The Big Picture:

Hamilton's potential early departure from Ferrari, if rumors materialize, would mark a significant shift in F1's driver market dynamics and raise questions about the long-term success of high-profile transfers. Conversely, the FIA's transparent investigation and clear communication regarding the Lawson incident reinforce their commitment to safety protocols and fair judgment, crucial for maintaining trust and order within the sport.

What's next:

The remaining races of the season will be critical for Hamilton to demonstrate his value and performance, potentially influencing Ferrari's future decisions. For the FIA, continuing to refine and enforce safety regulations, especially concerning marshals, will remain a top priority to prevent future incidents.