Rumor: Ferrari Unlikely to Renew Hamilton's Contract for 2027

A recent rumor suggests Lewis Hamilton might be without a drive for the 2027 season, with sources reportedly telling ESPN that Ferrari will not offer the seven-time world champion a contract extension due to his performance. This assessment, made in the latter half of his inaugural season with the Scuderia, sparks debate over its validity given the circumstances.

Why it matters:

This rumor comes at a critical juncture for both Hamilton and Ferrari. If true, it would mark an abrupt end to one of F1's most anticipated driver transfers and raise questions about the team's long-term strategy. For Hamilton, it casts doubt on his future in the sport, potentially leaving a legend without a seat after just two seasons with the Italian giant. The decision, if made based on current performance, overlooks the significant adaptation challenges Hamilton has faced.

The Details:

• Performance Review: Hamilton's 2025 season numbers appear abysmal on paper: no wins, no podiums, and no pole positions in 20 Grands Prix, with his only successes being a sprint pole and win in China. His teammate Charles Leclerc's performance has made Hamilton's season look even more challenging.
• Ferrari's Struggles: Ferrari themselves have had a disappointing 2025 season, failing to secure a single win and only challenging McLaren once in Hungary before an inexplicable loss of pace. This overall team underperformance has overshadowed individual efforts.
• Hamilton's Adaptation: Hamilton has had to adjust to entirely new engine, braking, and software systems, demanding a new driving style and setup approach for the SF-25. This steep learning curve made familiar tracks feel practically new.
• Recent Improvement: Since the Dutch Grand Prix, Hamilton has notably closed the gap to Leclerc, even outperforming him in qualifying and race trim in Italy, Azerbaijan, Singapore, and the U.S. In Mexico, despite a debated 10-second penalty, he executed a recovery drive to P8, showcasing his pace and determination.

What's next:

The notion of Ferrari not renewing Hamilton's contract for 2027, before the 2026 season even begins, is premature and potentially reckless. The 2026 season will introduce new regulations and a completely new car, offering a fresh slate for all teams and drivers.

• By 2026, Hamilton will have fully acclimatized to Ferrari's systems and will be in a prime position to challenge if the machinery is competitive.
• Ending such a high-profile collaboration prematurely would be a significant misstep, especially given Hamilton's proven track record as the most successful driver in F1 history and his recent improvements.
• The true test of this partnership and Hamilton's capabilities with Ferrari will come in 2026, making any decision before then highly speculative.