Rumors Suggest Ferrari Unlikely to Renew Hamilton's Contract Beyond 2026

Speculation from senior paddock figures suggests that Lewis Hamilton may not receive a contract extension from Ferrari after his current deal expires at the end of 2026, citing his performance compared to teammate Charles Leclerc in his debut season with the Scuderia.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's reported hesitance to extend Hamilton's contract signifies a crucial period for the seven-time world champion. It highlights the immense pressure on F1 drivers to perform, even legends, and the team's uncompromising focus on achieving championship success, especially with new regulations on the horizon in 2026.

The details:

• Performance Disparity: Hamilton is currently P6 in the championship standings, trailing Charles Leclerc by 64 points.
• Qualifying Battle: Leclerc holds a significant lead in qualifying head-to-head, with a 14-5 advantage and an average gap of 0.170s per qualifying session.
• Race Head-to-Head: In race performance, Leclerc has outpaced Hamilton in 14 out of 17 instances, while Hamilton has only done so in 3 instances.
• High Expectations: Hamilton's current multi-year deal is reportedly worth $60 million per year, a figure that demands a front-running, championship-contending performance.

The Big Picture:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari for the 2025 season was a blockbuster announcement, seen as a final push for an unprecedented eighth world title. However, his initial performances have led to questions about his future with the team beyond his initial contract term. While it's his first season in red, the competitive gap to Leclerc has raised eyebrows within the paddock.

What's next:

Much hinges on the 2026 season, which will introduce entirely new technical regulations, including new cars, power units, and Pirelli tires. This regulatory overhaul could reshuffle the grid and provide a fresh start for all teams and drivers, including Hamilton.

• Adaptation is Key: Drivers will need to adapt to this new generation of cars, and Hamilton's performance in this new era will be critical.
• Future Decisions: At 41 years old by the end of 2026, Hamilton will also face a personal decision on whether to continue his career in Formula 1.
• Mutual Performance: How both Ferrari and Hamilton perform under the new regulations will likely dictate whether their partnership extends beyond 2026.