Hamilton’s Ferrari Struggles Spark Renewed Retirement Rumors
Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated switch to Ferrari was expected to reignite his Formula 1 career, offering a fresh start and a shot at the coveted eighth world title. But just a handful of races into the 2025 season, the move is proving more turbulent than triumphant. The seven-time world champion is now facing intense scrutiny amid growing speculation that he may not complete his time with the Scuderia — and could even retire from the sport sooner than expected.
The move from Mercedes to Ferrari was one of the biggest talking points in F1 during the offseason. Fans and analysts believed it could be the shake-up Hamilton needed after several winless seasons with the Silver Arrows. However, his early days in the iconic red suit have been marred by lackluster results and clear discomfort in adapting to his new environment.
Multiple sources inside the paddock report that Hamilton appears unsettled — a far cry from the confident and composed figure who once dominated the sport. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher didn’t hold back in his assessment, stating, “Lewis doesn’t look like himself out there. Something’s definitely wrong, and people are starting to wonder if we’re nearing the end of his racing career.”
At 39 years old, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was viewed by many as his final big gamble in Formula 1. After achieving unparalleled success with Mercedes, including six of his seven championships, the hope was that Ferrari could offer a platform for one last title run. But so far, that dream seems distant. Ferrari continues to face persistent performance issues, and Hamilton is reportedly finding it difficult to align his driving style with the unique characteristics of Ferrari’s car.
One of the key challenges is the Ferrari chassis, which differs significantly from what Hamilton was used to at Mercedes. At his former team, car development often centered around his feedback, allowing for a tailored driving experience. Ferrari’s more standardized approach has created friction, with Hamilton reportedly struggling to extract performance and confidence from the car. This disconnect has been reflected on track, where he has yet to achieve a podium finish this season.
While team principal Fred Vasseur has remained supportive in public, insisting that the team is united behind Hamilton and committed to helping him succeed, insiders claim there’s growing unease within the garage. The adaptation period is dragging longer than expected, and behind closed doors, Ferrari engineers are said to be divided on how best to support their star driver.
Hamilton, ever the professional, has maintained a calm and composed front in his interviews. He acknowledges the difficulties but emphasizes his commitment to working with the team to turn things around. However, those close to the British driver have observed subtle shifts in his demeanor. Once known for his energetic and optimistic presence, Hamilton now appears more reserved and introspective. Some insiders suggest that the emotional and mental toll of not meeting expectations may be weighing on him more than he lets on.
Rumors of retirement are not new, but this time the whispers seem louder and more credible. Sources indicate that Hamilton is actively considering his future and may make a decision based on the team’s progress by mid-season. If Ferrari fails to deliver tangible improvements, he could choose to exit Formula 1 on his own terms — potentially avoiding a prolonged and painful decline in performance.
With the spotlight firmly on Hamilton, the coming races could be defining. A turnaround in form may silence the critics and reignite his campaign, but if the struggles continue, the sport could be preparing for a farewell — not in celebration, but in quiet reflection — to one of its greatest legends.
