Ferrari issues verdict on Hamilton's potential retirement at the e...

Ferrari issues verdict on Hamilton’s potential retirement at the e… read more

Rumors have been swirling around Lewis Hamilton’s future in Formula 1, with some fans questioning whether the seven-time world champion should hang up his helmet at the end of the current season. The speculation has intensified due to Hamilton’s underwhelming start with Ferrari, just nine races into his debut season with the legendary Italian team.

After departing Mercedes earlier this year following a successful twelve-year tenure, Hamilton had high hopes of revitalizing his championship aspirations with Ferrari. However, the transition has not gone as planned. Despite a promising win in the Chinese sprint race, he has yet to secure a podium finish in a full Grand Prix, leaving fans and analysts alike concerned about his performance and long-term prospects in the sport.

This uncertainty prompted David Croft, the well-known voice of Formula 1 coverage in the UK, to weigh in on the matter during a segment on the Sky F1 Show. Croft dismissed any immediate talk of retirement, stating confidently, “Lewis will be around next year. He’s not going anywhere.” He emphasized that while results haven’t met expectations, Hamilton’s commitment to racing remains strong.

Croft acknowledged that there was a sense of optimism after Hamilton’s strong sprint performance in China, where he reminded fans of his world-class talent. Unfortunately, that momentum has not translated into consistent success on race Sundays. Croft offered some insight into Hamilton’s struggles, citing Ferrari’s own explanation that a technical issue may have hindered the car’s performance during the final stint of the most recent race.

He also discussed a specific moment when Hamilton was overtaken by Nico Hülkenberg, who had switched to a fresh set of soft tires. Croft noted that the tire advantage made a significant impact and suggested that, in that situation, even top drivers like Hamilton would be vulnerable. Additionally, he pointed out Ferrari’s recurring problem with delayed team orders, as Charles Leclerc could have overtaken Hamilton earlier had the team acted more decisively.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Croft encouraged fans to stay optimistic, suggesting that with improvements in strategy and car performance, Hamilton could still achieve strong results before the season ends. As for retirement, Croft was unequivocal—Hamilton remains fully committed and has no plans to exit the sport before the 2026 regulation changes. For now, at least, the British racing legend is focused on turning things around and making his time at Ferrari count.