F1 Rumors: Hamilton's Ferrari Future, Wolff's Masi Jab, and Red Bull's 2026 Plans

Friday's F1 news is buzzing with a significant rumor that Ferrari will not extend Lewis Hamilton's contract beyond his current deal, adding a new layer to the seven-time champion's future. Meanwhile, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff reignited a past controversy, labeling former FIA Race Director Michael Masi a "lunatic" in a fresh critique of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

The potential non-extension of Hamilton's contract at Ferrari, just a year after his high-profile move, indicates a turbulent period for the multiple world champion and a re-evaluation of long-term strategies for both driver and team. Wolff's comments, years after the fact, highlight the lasting impact of the 2021 season finale on key figures within F1 and the ongoing debate surrounding its legitimacy. Beyond these personal dramas, Red Bull's early 2026 launch plans with Ford signal the increasing focus on the sport's next major regulation change.

The Details:

• Hamilton's Ferrari Future: Reports suggest Ferrari will not offer Lewis Hamilton a contract extension following his current deal. This comes after a challenging first season with the Scuderia in F1 2025, where the 40-year-old has yet to secure a podium finish in 20 appearances.
• Wolff on Masi: Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff strongly criticized former FIA Race Director Michael Masi, calling him a "lunatic." Wolff's comments relate to Masi's controversial handling of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where safety car procedures were incorrectly applied, ultimately costing Hamilton a record eighth world championship.
• 2021 Abu Dhabi Aftermath: Former Red Bull mechanic Calum Nicholas recounted a "look of disdain" from Sky F1 pundit Damon Hill during celebrations of Max Verstappen's 2021 title win, underscoring the divided reactions to that controversial race.
• Red Bull's 2026 Launch: Ford has announced a season launch event on January 15, 2026, in the United States, which will feature both the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls teams. This highlights Ford's significant technical partnership with Red Bull's Powertrains division under the new F1 2026 regulations.
• Lance Stroll's Salary Insights: Company accounts for Golden Eagle Racing Ltd., the entity managing Lance Stroll's racing activities, show a payment of $12.3 million for the F1 2024 season. This figure, up from $5.6 million in 2023, suggests a substantial increase in his remuneration, though various factors might influence the exact interpretation of this salary.

The big picture:

These stories collectively paint a picture of a sport in constant flux – from high-stakes driver contracts and lingering controversies to the strategic planning for future regulations. Hamilton's situation at Ferrari raises questions about legacy and adaptation, while Wolff's remarks demonstrate that the wounds of 2021 are far from healed. Meanwhile, the early announcement of Ford and Red Bull's 2026 launch underscores the intense preparations for the next era of F1, where engine and chassis regulations will once again shuffle the competitive order.

What's next:

The rumors surrounding Hamilton's contract are likely to intensify, with official confirmations or denials expected as the 2025 season progresses. The 2026 season preparations, as evidenced by Ford's early launch announcement, will continue to ramp up, setting the stage for significant technical and team developments. All eyes will be on how these narratives unfold and impact the competitive balance of Formula 1 in the coming years.