Scuderia Ferrari currently fields one of the oldest combined driver line-ups on the entire Formula 1 grid, and the ageing core of their roster is unlikely to sustain success indefinitely.
The performance trajectory of Lewis Hamilton suggests a gradual decline in form, and his existing contract is set to run until the end of the 2026 season, with an option for an additional year. Whether Hamilton will activate this contract extension remains uncertain and will depend on several factors, including Ferrari’s ability to demonstrate they can deliver championship-winning results in the near future.
Lewis Hamilton’s ambition remains focused on securing a record-breaking eighth drivers’ championship, but achieving this will be challenging if he continues to compete in midfield. Starting next season, he will require a car capable of fighting consistently at the front of the grid to remain a genuine title contender.
The seven-time world champion has already highlighted three key areas for improvement within Ferrari’s operation and has begun advising the team on the necessary changes required for future success. This guidance has prompted Ferrari to ‘experiment’ with the development of Hamilton’s 2026 car, known internally as project ‘678’, as they seek to extract every possible ounce of performance to enhance competitiveness.
Ferrari will likely need to look beyond young prospect Oliver Bearman and consider re-signing Carlos Sainz once Lewis Hamilton retires. Hamilton’s important contract clause grants him the authority to decide whether he wishes to continue racing beyond the 2026 season. Regardless, it is expected that his tenure with the Maranello-based team will not extend beyond a few more years unless he makes a strategic move similar to Fernando Alonso’s career path.
Therefore, Ferrari must prepare a clear plan for the future regarding the driver who will replace Hamilton after his departure. Although Oliver Bearman, currently a junior driver with Haas, appears as the obvious choice for promotion, he still requires significant development before he is ready to step into a leading role at Ferrari.
A more pragmatic and strategic option for Ferrari would be to bring back Carlos Sainz, their former driver, and offer him a competitive contract. Carlos Sainz brings valuable experience, an in-depth understanding of the team’s inner workings, and could be seeking a fresh opportunity if Williams fails to provide a competitive car in 2026. Regularly being outperformed by teammate Alex Albon could be frustrating for Carlos Sainz, making a return to Ferrari an appealing prospect.
Lewis Hamilton is currently experiencing one of the most challenging phases of his Formula 1 career. He has now gone 16 races without reaching the podium, marking the longest such drought he has faced. Additionally, it has been more than 750 days since his last pole position, surpassing his previous record by over 200 days.
Despite coming close with four fourth-place finishes during this period, Lewis Hamilton has been unable to make that critical extra step to finish ahead of his competitors on race day. To avoid slipping further into midfield battles on race Sundays, Hamilton must rediscover his greatest strengths and elevate his performance once again, or risk jeopardizing his chances of future success.
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