Hamilton's F1 Future Tied to Ferrari's 2026 Performance, Steiner Says

According to former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, Lewis Hamilton's future in Formula 1 hinges on Ferrari's ability to produce a competitive car for the 2026 season. After a disheartening debut year with the Scuderia that saw him record his first-ever podium-less campaign, Steiner believes the seven-time world champion will not extend his career beyond 2026 if the team's struggles continue.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari was one of the most significant driver transfers in F1 history, built on the promise of a final title challenge. His potential retirement would not only mark the end of an era for one of the sport's greatest drivers but also represent a monumental failure for Ferrari to capitalize on his talent, raising questions about the team's ability to return to the top.

The details:

• Steiner's stark prediction: The former Haas boss stated unequivocally that if Ferrari's performance doesn't improve, 2026 will be Hamilton's last season, adding, "He's not going to put himself through that again."
• A disastrous 2025: Hamilton's first season at Maranello was a major disappointment, resulting in the first podium-less season of his illustrious career and a visibly dispirited driver.
• The Leclerc challenge: Steiner highlighted the difficult internal battle, noting that Charles Leclerc outscored Hamilton by 86 points and that even securing a podium was a "respectable achievement" with the uncompetitive SF-25.
• The 2026 reset: The complete overhaul of F1's technical regulations, introducing new cars and power units, presents a critical opportunity for Ferrari to close the gap to the front-runners and revive its fortunes.

What's next:

The 2026 season is now a make-or-break year for both Hamilton and Ferrari. Steiner emphasized that a competitive car would allow Hamilton to rediscover his motivation and fight for wins, but another year of struggling at the back would almost certainly prompt his exit from the sport. All eyes will be on Maranello as they develop their new challenger under the fresh regulations, with the legacy of a seven-time champion potentially hanging in the balance.