Fred Vasseur: 'Not the Time' to Discuss Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Contract Extension

Fred Vasseur has dismissed mounting speculation that Lewis Hamilton is close to extending his Ferrari stay, insisting the team is not yet ready to discuss a new contract. The comments come amid intense rumors that the seven-time world champion may activate an option to remain at Maranello through 2027, a season that would mark 20 years since his F1 debut.

Why it matters:

Hamilton’s presence has become increasingly central to Ferrari’s resurgence after a rocky 2025. Securing the seven-time world champion for 2027 would give the Scuderia a stable anchor as it chases both championships and navigates the volatile driver market.

The details:

• Speaking at the British Grand Prix, Vasseur shut down questions about an extension, stating: "He is still under contract with us and it’s not time to discuss about an extension." He made clear that any negotiation would remain a private matter between himself and Hamilton.
• Italian reports ahead of the Silverstone weekend suggested Hamilton was on the verge of triggering a driver-side option for 2027, though neither Ferrari nor Hamilton has publicly confirmed the specific structure of his existing deal.
• Hamilton has publicly dismissed retirement talk, declaring at the Canadian Grand Prix: "I still plan to be here for some time... get used to it." He added that he is already mapping out plans for the next five years.
• The 2026 season has seen a marked turnaround for Hamilton at Ferrari, highlighted by a breakthrough victory in Barcelona and additional podium finishes in China, Canada, Monaco and Britain.

What's next:

Vasseur’s stance suggests Ferrari is prioritizing on-track performance over off-track paperwork for now, but the question will resurface as the season progresses. With Hamilton openly committed to racing on and his results backing up that ambition, an extension feels more like a formality waiting for the right moment than a genuine uncertainty.