F1 Today: Hamilton's Contract Rumors, Massa's Case Update, and FIA's Mexico GP Ruling

Rumors are swirling about Lewis Hamilton's future at Ferrari, with some suggesting his contract might not be extended past 2026 due to performance concerns. Meanwhile, the FIA has cleared Liam Lawson of any fault in the near-miss incident with marshals at the Mexico City Grand Prix, and Felipe Massa's 'Crashgate' legal battle has concluded its pre-hearing phase.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's long-term strategy, especially concerning a seven-time world champion like Hamilton, has significant implications for the team's championship aspirations and the broader F1 driver market. The FIA's ruling on the Mexico GP incident underscores its commitment to marshal safety, while Massa's 'Crashgate' case continues to challenge historical F1 results and could set a precedent for future disputes.

The Details:

• Hamilton's Ferrari Future: According to ESPN, "senior paddock figures" believe Lewis Hamilton's contract with Ferrari, currently through 2026, might not be extended. This comes as Hamilton, at 40, trails teammate Charles Leclerc by 64 points and is yet to secure a podium with the Scuderia after over 20 race weekends. He's also behind Leclerc in head-to-head qualifying and race battles. However, reports from Italian media suggest Hamilton may have an option to extend his contract into 2027, potentially putting his future in his own hands.
• FIA Clears Lawson: The FIA has issued a statement exonerating Liam Lawson from responsibility for the dangerous near-miss with two marshals at Turn 1 during the Mexico City Grand Prix. The governing body stated, "Having analysed the telemetry from the incident, we can confirm that the driver of Car #30, Liam 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. He is not at fault in this incident." This ruling contradicts an earlier statement from the Mexican motorsport federation, which had blamed Lawson.
• Massa's 'Crashgate' Case: Felipe Massa's $82 million 'Crashgate' case has completed the final day of its pre-hearing trial at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. A decision is now pending on whether the case will proceed to a full trial. Massa is seeking not only $82 million in compensation but also official recognition that his loss of the 2008 F1 title was due to a breach of regulations. Lawyers representing F1, the FIA, and Bernie Ecclestone have raised numerous questions challenging Massa's case, following a "fierce response" from the FIA earlier in the week.

What's next:

The coming weeks will be crucial for all three situations. Ferrari's performance and Hamilton's form will continue to be under intense scrutiny, especially as the 2026 regulations loom. The FIA's continued emphasis on safety following incidents like Lawson's near-miss will likely lead to further discussions on operational protocols. Most significantly, the decision on whether Massa's 'Crashgate' case proceeds to a full trial could reopen a contentious chapter in F1 history, with potential ramifications for how past championship results are viewed and challenged.