Breaking News: Lewis Hamilton Dismisses Ferrari Retirement Rumors Amid…read more

Lewis Hamilton Dismisses Ferrari Retirement Rumors Amid…read more 

Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has made it clear that he has no plans to retire even if he secures a record-breaking eighth title with Ferrari in 2025.

Hamilton, who recently joined Ferrari after leaving Mercedes, signed a multi-year contract reportedly worth $57 million per season. As he prepares for his debut with the legendary Italian team, he is fully focused on making history with them rather than contemplating retirement.

Hamilton’s Determination to Continue Racing

Hamilton remains one of the most accomplished drivers in Formula 1 history, holding records for the most pole positions (104) and race wins (105). However, his title hopes have been hindered over the past three seasons due to Mercedes’ struggles in adapting to the ground-effect regulations introduced in 2022. Since then, he has managed only a single pole position and two race victories.

His most painful title loss came at the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen secured his first championship in dramatic fashion. Many speculated that had Hamilton won that race and secured an eighth championship, he might have retired immediately—much like his former teammate Nico Rosberg, who shocked the world by retiring just days after winning the 2016 title.

Though Hamilton admitted he briefly considered stepping away from the sport following the 2021 disappointment, he is now more motivated than ever to fight for another championship. Speaking to media, including PlanetF1.com, after his first experience with Ferrari’s new SF-25, Hamilton dismissed the idea that an eighth title would prompt him to retire.

“If I were fortunate enough to win another title, which is obviously our goal, I don’t see myself stopping,” he said.

Focused on Winning with Ferrari

When asked whether he views his 2025 campaign as a quest for “revenge” against Verstappen and Red Bull, Hamilton emphasized that his primary focus is winning his first title with Ferrari rather than an eighth championship overall.

“For me, it’s the first,” Hamilton stated. “Winning a championship at Ferrari is the first. That’s what I’m working towards. I don’t think about number eight. I’m thinking about the first championship that the team’s won for some time.”

Ferrari last claimed an F1 title in 2008, when Kimi Räikkönen secured the Drivers’ Championship. The team has since endured a long drought, struggling to match the dominance of Red Bull, Mercedes, and even McLaren in recent years. Hamilton hopes to bring an end to that wait.

“Ferrari already has a rich history of championships,” he continued. “But for me, it’s about contributing to their next one. How can I help them achieve that?”

Belief in Ferrari’s Potential

Despite strong competition from teams like Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes, Hamilton is optimistic about Ferrari’s chances in 2025. When asked if this season presents his best opportunity to finally secure his elusive eighth title, he responded:

“Yes… yes. But I’m also aware that many great drivers never get the chance to win a championship. I’ve been lucky to work with incredible teams, but even great organizations don’t always find success. That’s why it’s so important that everything aligns.”

Ferrari’s 2025 challenger, the SF-25, has reportedly shown significant improvement over last year’s car. According to reports from Italy, simulator data suggests it is up to 0.4 seconds faster than its predecessor.

Ferrari’s Bold Approach with the SF-25

Ferrari has taken a daring approach in the final season before Formula 1’s next major regulation change in 2026. The SF-25, developed under the codename Project 677, features an all-new design. Team principal Frédéric Vasseur recently confirmed that the car is “completely new” compared to previous iterations.

One of the most notable changes is the shift to a pullrod front suspension, a setup favored by Red Bull and McLaren. This design enhances airflow to the car’s underbody, optimizing aerodynamic performance under the current ground-effect regulations. Given how crucial downforce is to modern F1 cars, this change could provide Ferrari with a significant competitive advantage.

Hamilton believes Ferrari has the right ingredients to succeed, but he acknowledges that winning won’t be easy. “The competition is fierce,” he admitted. “But there’s magic here at Ferrari. Everyone dreams of winning with this team.”

With pre-season testing approaching and the first race of 2025 on the horizon, all eyes will be on Hamilton to see if he can finally break Ferrari’s championship drought—and, in the process, make history as Formula 1’s first-ever eight-time World Champion.