Should Lewis Hamilton retire from F1?

Lewis Hamilton's first season with Ferrari was a stark departure from expectations, marked by a podium drought and a significant points deficit to teammate Charles Leclerc. This underwhelming performance has ignited debate about the seven-time champion's future in the sport.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari was one of the most anticipated driver switches in F1 history. His failure to secure a single podium finish in his debut Scuderia season—a first in his illustrious career—raises fundamental questions about his competitive edge and timeline. With new regulations arriving in 2026, his ability to lead a resurgence is now under intense scrutiny.

The details:

The 2025 season presented a clear performance gap within the Ferrari garage. While Charles Leclerc secured seven podium finishes, Hamilton was left scoreless in the grand prix races, setting a new and unwanted record for the longest start to a Ferrari tenure without a top-three finish. His only victories came in sprint events in China and Miami. Publicly, Hamilton was critical of his own performances, acknowledging the shortfall as pressure mounted from external voices suggesting retirement.

The big picture:

Ferrari's overall slump from second to fourth in the constructors' championship compounded Hamilton's difficult year. The team failed to deliver a car capable of consistently challenging at the front, sharing responsibility for the disappointing campaign. However, the impending 2026 regulatory reset represents a pivotal opportunity. If Ferrari can master the new rules package, it could provide Hamilton with the machinery needed to fight for an unprecedented eighth world title, a pursuit that has defined the latter stage of his career.

What's next:

The coming 12 months will be critical in shaping Hamilton's legacy. His decision will hinge on Ferrari's winter development progress and his own assessment of his motivation and performance level. A strong rebound in 2026 could extend his career and chase for the eighth championship, while another difficult season may make the case for retirement more compelling. The clock is ticking on one of F1's greatest careers.