Rosberg: Hamilton Can't Retire After Ferrari Struggles, or Legacy Takes 'Scratch'

Lewis Hamilton's first Ferrari season ended with an 8th-place Abu Dhabi finish—capping F1's first podiumless campaign for the seven-time champion. Former teammate Nico Rosberg insists Hamilton cannot walk away now, warning that quitting would leave a "little scratch" on his legacy and constitute a "loss of face" after Ferrari's high-stakes gamble.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari represented the ultimate career test for F1's most successful driver. After 17 seasons defined by dominance, his struggle to adapt—not just losing to Charles Leclerc but failing to reach Q2 and spinning unaided—threatens to redefine his final chapter. The Scuderia's passionate tifosi remain patient, but Rosberg cautions their support has an expiration date if 2026 doesn't deliver redemption.

The details:

• Hamilton finished 2025 with zero podiums—the first winless season of his career—and was consistently outperformed by Leclerc in qualifying and races.
• Rosberg bluntly called it a "terrible season" that's "not a worthy way to end his career," noting Hamilton's visible discomfort in the car extends beyond mere results.
• Regulation reset: Major 2026 rule changes for chassis and power units offer Hamilton's best hope for a reset, potentially leveling the playing field.
• Psychological hurdle: Hamilton admitted post-Las Vegas frustration made him "not look forward" to 2026, though he later reaffirmed commitment.
• Team dynamics: Ferrari leadership faces mounting pressure to deliver a competitive car, with Rosberg stressing Hamilton "can't retire now" given the lack of credible replacement options.

What's next:

Hamilton's path hinges on Ferrari's 2026 package addressing his handling concerns. While Rosberg acknowledges the car's potential to become "a winning car," time works against the 39-year-old: "It's not going to get easier." The tifosi's legendary passion could turn critical if results don't improve immediately—especially with Leclerc's star rising. Hamilton must prove this season was an anomaly, not a trend, to protect his standing as F1's greatest. As Rosberg put it: "He's the greatest, and we're never going to debate that—but this scratch needs fixing."

The pressure now shifts to Maranello's engineers. If they deliver a car that suits Hamilton's driving style, 2026 could restore his aura. If not, the final chapter of F1's most decorated career risks ending in controversy rather than triumph.