Lewis Hamilton addresses Ferrari retirement theory in…read more
Lewis Hamilton has dismissed any speculation that he might retire from Formula 1 if he secures a record-breaking eighth World Championship with Ferrari in 2025. The British driver, who joined the Italian team from Mercedes in a multi-year deal over the winter, confirmed he has no intentions of retiring after potentially clinching the historic title. His contract with Ferrari, reportedly valued at $57 million annually, is believed to extend for at least the next two seasons.
Hamilton, who currently shares the record for the most World Championships in F1 history with seven titles, has faced challenges in recent seasons. With just one pole and two race wins in the last three years, his performance has been hampered by Mercedes’ struggles to adapt to F1’s ground-effect rules. This has led to some questioning his future in the sport.
A key turning point in Hamilton’s career came in 2021 when he was denied an eighth title in a controversial season finale in Abu Dhabi. Max Verstappen, driving for Red Bull, took his first World Championship that year in dramatic fashion, leaving Hamilton one title shy of the all-time record. Following the event, there was speculation that Hamilton might retire immediately if he had secured the eighth title, similar to his former teammate Nico Rosberg’s decision to retire after winning the 2016 championship.
Hamilton himself admitted that he considered walking away from F1 after the 2021 season finale, acknowledging the emotional toll it took on him. However, speaking to the media after his first experience with Ferrari’s 2025 car, the SF-25, he firmly rejected the idea of retiring if he were to claim another title. He emphasized that his goal is to win another championship, and he sees no reason to stop racing if that dream is realized.
At 40 years old, Hamilton’s future in F1 has been a subject of much speculation, especially with his move to Ferrari. Despite his extensive career and numerous records, he has shown no signs of slowing down. He reiterated his commitment to the sport, expressing his desire to continue competing at the highest level.
Hamilton’s remarkable career includes a joint-record seven World Championships, 104 pole positions, and 105 race victories. While his recent seasons have been less successful, he remains one of the most accomplished and celebrated drivers in F1 history. As he embarks on this new chapter with Ferrari, the prospect of adding to his legacy by winning another title is a major motivator. Nonetheless, he made it clear that even an eighth World Championship would not be the end of his F1 career, as he remains focused on his goals and the challenges ahead with Ferrari.
