FORMIDABLE: Lewis Hamilton ‘Will Stay’ as F1 Champion Discusses Retirement says… Read more
Lewis Hamilton ‘Will Stay’ as F1 Champion Discusses Retirement
Lewis Hamilton’s long-term future in Formula 1 has once again become a major talking point, with speculation intensifying after a difficult 2025 season that has so far failed to deliver a single podium finish. Now aged 41 and embarking on the most ambitious chapter of his career with Ferrari, Hamilton finds himself under constant scrutiny, not just over his performances on track but over how much longer he intends to remain in the sport. Despite the noise, one former world champion believes Hamilton is far from done with Formula 1 in any capacity.
Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari has not unfolded as many had hoped. The seven-time world champion joined the Scuderia with the clear objective of chasing a historic eighth title, but Ferrari’s struggles to consistently challenge at the front have left Hamilton fighting in the midfield more often than not. While his commitment to the team has never wavered publicly, the lack of results has fuelled debate among fans and pundits over whether the radical 2026 regulation reset could mark the end of his driving career.
The upcoming regulation changes are seen as a final roll of the dice for several senior figures on the grid, and Hamilton is no exception. If Ferrari fail to emerge as a genuine title contender under the new rules, some believe the Briton could choose to step away rather than endure another rebuilding phase. However, despite the speculation, Hamilton has repeatedly insisted that he remains fully invested in Ferrari’s long-term project and is prepared to put in the hard work required to return the team to winning ways.
Adding an authoritative voice to the discussion, three-time Formula 1 world champion Jackie Stewart has offered his perspective on Hamilton’s situation. Speaking at the Autosport Awards, Stewart reflected on his own decision to retire and drew parallels with Hamilton’s current crossroads. Stewart, who won titles in 1969, 1971 and 1973, retired at the peak of his powers, a decision shaped by personal priorities and the growing dangers of the sport at the time.
Stewart recalled how he had planned his retirement well in advance, before tragedy struck with the death of his close friend and fellow driver François Cevert at the 1973 United States Grand Prix. That loss led Stewart to retire one race earlier than planned, underlining how deeply personal and complex such decisions can be for drivers at the top level.
When asked about Hamilton’s future, Stewart made it clear that while only Hamilton can decide when to walk away, he does not believe the seven-time champion will disappear from Formula 1 altogether. Stewart praised Hamilton’s resilience during a challenging season and highlighted the mental strength required to endure difficult periods after years of dominance.
According to Stewart, Hamilton’s current struggles should not overshadow his extraordinary career or his ongoing value to the sport. He suggested that even if Hamilton eventually decides to retire from driving, his influence and presence within Formula 1 would almost certainly continue in another role. Whether as a mentor, ambassador, or team figure, Stewart believes Hamilton’s passion for the sport will keep him involved long after his final race.
Stewart also emphasised that timing is everything when it comes to retirement. For him, recognising when to step away was crucial, and he believes Hamilton will arrive at that moment in his own way. The former champion expressed hope that Hamilton remains part of Formula 1, noting the impact he has had both on and off the track, from his record-breaking achievements to his role in broadening the sport’s global appeal.
For now, Hamilton shows no public signs of preparing for life beyond the cockpit. His focus remains on helping Ferrari close the gap to the front and positioning the team as a serious contender ahead of the 2026 reset. While the results have been frustrating, Hamilton’s determination and professionalism have been widely praised within the paddock.
As the season progresses, questions about retirement are unlikely to fade, especially given Hamilton’s age and the scale of Ferrari’s challenge. Yet, as Jackie Stewart’s comments suggest, the story may not be about whether Hamilton stays in Formula 1, but in what form. Whether behind the wheel or shaping the sport from another angle, the belief remains strong that Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 journey is far from over.
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