Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated switch to Ferrari has not gone according to plan so far, as the seven-time Formula 1 world champion continues to await his first podium in the iconic red machinery.
While Hamilton claimed victory in the Sprint race in Shanghai earlier this season, success has largely eluded him since that breakthrough. A combination of factors—including occasional miscommunication with race engineer Ricciardo Adami, strategic errors, and inconsistent pace—has made the first half of 2025 a frustrating period for the British superstar.
During pre-season, Hamilton placed his trust in Ferrari to provide a top-performing car, yet the SF-25 has proven to be a challenging and difficult vehicle to drive. The team’s struggles are evident, as Ferrari remains the only outfit among the current top-four teams without a Grand Prix win this season, highlighting the gap between expectations and reality.
Off-track, Hamilton has been proactive, sending detailed documents to Ferrari outlining his suggestions for operational improvements within the team. While it is common practice for drivers to provide feedback in this manner, Hamilton’s on-track results have not matched his behind-the-scenes diligence, leaving fans and media analysts concerned.
Within the F1 paddock, speculation has grown about Lewis Hamilton’s current form, with insiders suggesting that both the driver and Ferrari are underperforming. This sentiment was particularly amplified after he was eliminated in Q1 at Spa. The Hungarian Grand Prix offered little respite, as Hamilton qualified and finished in P12, marking one of his most disappointing weekends since joining Maranello.
The question of whether the Briton might retire from Formula 1 while at Ferrari in 2025 has been raised by former F1 driver Christian Danner. Speaking to ran.de, Danner indicated that there has been open discussion within F1 circles regarding the possibility of Hamilton calling time on his career at the end of the current season. Despite acknowledging that Hamilton is a fighter who typically perseveres under pressure, Danner conceded that an early departure cannot be completely ruled out.
Danner explained that the question of Hamilton retiring is legitimate, especially given the British driver’s current lack of competitiveness in the Ferrari. He noted that while the 40-year-old driver is highly motivated and keen to prove he can still perform at the highest level, it remains conceivable that he could choose to step away from the sport sooner than planned.
Although Hamilton appeared visibly frustrated over recent race weekends, even describing himself as ‘useless’ during the Hungarian Grand Prix, Ferrari is unlikely to make any rash decisions. The team has invested heavily in signing him from Mercedes, both in terms of financial commitment and commercial value, and will not easily give up on a driver of his stature. Nevertheless, media speculation about a potential 2025 exit continues to circulate following his candid comments.
Hamilton’s current contract with Ferrari runs until 2026, with an option to extend for an additional year. However, it seems improbable that he would continue racing for another Formula 1 team should he leave Maranello. The British driver’s future has therefore become a major talking point, prompting early discussions about who might replace him in Ferrari’s cockpit when the time comes.
Among the candidates, F1 commentator Alex Jacques has suggested that Oliver Bearman is in the strongest position to succeed Hamilton. The young British driver, currently racing with Haas, has impressed Ferrari with his consistent performances and is regarded as a leading contender to wear the famous scarlet livery.
However, Ferrari may have multiple options to consider. Motorsport legend Bernie Ecclestone has publicly recommended that the team sign Brazilian prospect Gabriel Bortoleto, who is currently showcasing exceptional form with Sauber. Both drivers represent potential future stars capable of stepping into Hamilton’s role, ensuring Ferrari remains competitive while planning for the post-Hamilton era.
As Lewis Hamilton continues to navigate a challenging first season with the Scuderia, the combination of underwhelming race results and ongoing speculation about his future ensures that fans, analysts, and the team itself remain intensely focused on both the present and the long-term strategy for Ferrari’s driver lineup.
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