Lewis Hamilton Could Call Time on F1 Career by End of 2025 if Ferrari Struggles Continue, Warns Ralf Schumacher
Speculation about Lewis Hamilton’s future in Formula 1 has intensified, with former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher suggesting that the seven-time World Champion could walk away from the sport if his debut season with Ferrari doesn’t show significant improvement. According to Schumacher, Hamilton may soon reach a breaking point, where the continued struggles simply aren’t worth enduring. “I’m not doing this to myself anymore,” is the mindset Schumacher believes Hamilton may adopt if his time at Ferrari fails to deliver the success he anticipated.
Hamilton’s high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 season created shockwaves across the F1 world. Fans and pundits alike were eager to see what the partnership between one of the sport’s greatest drivers and its most iconic team could produce. The move was widely regarded as Hamilton’s bold attempt to reignite his title aspirations and potentially close out his illustrious career on a high. However, the opening races of the season have not gone as planned.
Despite a promising glimpse of success when Hamilton clinched victory in the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix, that spark quickly fizzled. Just a day later, he was disqualified from the main race—an outcome that not only cost him points but also highlighted the unpredictability and disappointment that has marked the early phase of his Ferrari tenure.
Across the first five races of the 2025 calendar, Hamilton has not finished higher than fifth in any main race. His most recent outing at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix saw him finish a disappointing seventh—more than 30 seconds adrift of his teammate Charles Leclerc, who secured Ferrari’s first podium of the season with a solid third-place finish. This gulf in performance has raised eyebrows and fueled concerns over Hamilton’s adaptation to the new car and the internal dynamics of the team.
Ralf Schumacher has voiced concerns that Hamilton’s patience may wear thin if Ferrari cannot provide a competitive package quickly. The former driver highlighted how draining it can be for elite athletes to remain motivated when their performance falls short of expectations, especially for someone like Hamilton who is used to winning. At 40 years old, Hamilton is no longer chasing records for the sake of numbers; his focus now is legacy, enjoyment, and meaningful results. If those elements are missing, Schumacher believes retirement could be a realistic option.
“He’s already achieved everything there is to achieve in the sport,” Schumacher said. “If the fun isn’t there anymore and if the results don’t follow, he could say, ‘That’s it. I’ve done enough.’”
There are also whispers that Hamilton may not have anticipated the full extent of Ferrari’s technical challenges or internal complexities. While Ferrari showed flashes of competitiveness in 2024, particularly with Leclerc’s performances, they have continued to struggle with consistency and strategy—two areas that have repeatedly frustrated the British driver in the past, even during his final seasons with Mercedes.
Hamilton has been candid about his motivations behind the Ferrari move, often speaking about fulfilling a childhood dream and writing a new chapter with the team he idolized growing up. However, sentimentality can only go so far in a sport as demanding and results-driven as Formula 1. The harsh reality is that Hamilton may find himself stuck in a project that isn’t progressing quickly enough to satisfy his hunger for competition.
His performance relative to Leclerc will also be a focal point throughout the season. Leclerc, who is well-settled at Ferrari and deeply integrated into their setup, has consistently outpaced Hamilton so far. While it’s still early days, the disparity has led some to question whether Ferrari’s car development is tailored more toward Leclerc’s driving style—a scenario Hamilton has faced before with other teammates.
If Hamilton does decide to retire at the end of 2025, it would mark the end of one of the most remarkable careers in the history of motorsport. With 103 Grand Prix victories, seven world titles, and a transformative influence on the sport both on and off the track, Hamilton’s legacy is firmly cemented. But how he chooses to close out that legacy—whether in triumph, transition, or quiet exit—remains uncertain.
For now, fans will watch closely to see whether Ferrari can turn things around and give Hamilton the competitive edge he needs. If not, the F1 paddock may be preparing to say goodbye to one of its all-time greats sooner than expected.
