Lewis Hamilton remains under contract with Ferrari until the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season, but questions are growing over whether he will continue beyond that. With the Italian team struggling to deliver a consistently competitive car, confidence in a long-term extension appears limited.
Details of Hamilton’s contract are naturally confidential, but reports from the Italian media earlier in 2025 suggested that it is Hamilton, not Ferrari, who holds the option for 2027. This means the decision to stay could ultimately rest with the seven-time world champion and his willingness to continue racing at the highest level. The 2024 season was statistically one of Hamilton’s worst in terms of results, and 2025 is shaping up to be even more challenging. While he managed to win two races and secure five podiums last year, this season he has yet to finish higher than fourth in any race.
With only seven races remaining in the 2025 calendar, Hamilton still has an opportunity to salvage some momentum. A race victory or podium finish would lift not only his own spirits but also those of the Ferrari team. However, long-term questions remain about whether Ferrari can consistently offer him a car capable of challenging for championships.
Jenson Button warns Hamilton could consider leaving F1 if form doesn’t return
Speaking ahead of qualifying at the Singapore Grand Prix, Hamilton’s former teammate Jenson Button highlighted concerns over the Briton’s confidence in the Ferrari SF-25. After 17 rounds of the 2025 season, Button suggested that Lewis Hamilton has yet to feel fully assured in the car. Despite outpacing his teammate Charles Leclerc during Singapore qualifying and showing more positivity since the summer break, Hamilton had previously cast doubt on his own future by suggesting that Ferrari might need to replace him if performance did not improve.
Charles Leclerc currently dominates the season-long battle against Hamilton, holding a 13-5 advantage in qualifying and leading 12-3 in race results, even after Lewis Hamilton failed to complete a planned position swap at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Many of Lewis Hamilton’s struggles have been linked to the handling characteristics of the ground-effect SF-25, which has proven challenging for all Ferrari drivers. Button believes that the upcoming 2026 regulation changes could either rejuvenate the seven-time Formula 1 world champion or convince him that he can no longer reach his peak form, potentially prompting him to walk away from the most important motorsport series.
Button told Sky Sports that while Lewis Hamilton has demonstrated flashes of brilliance, such as his impressive performance in the Shanghai Sprint, consistency remains an issue. He explained that the Briton’s confidence in the car has been undermined not only by the machinery but also by a lack of familiar team support that he enjoyed during his years at Mercedes. The former world champion emphasized that the regulatory overhaul for 2026 will be pivotal: it could either showcase Hamilton at his very best or make him realise that continuing may no longer be viable.
Ferrari’s internal culture and operational challenges add to Hamilton’s frustrations
Lewis Hamilton’s standout performance in Shanghai, where he achieved pole position and dominated the Sprint race, demonstrates his ability to extract maximum performance when the car allows. His previous victories for Mercedes in Britain and Belgium further underline that he remains a top-tier driver capable of winning when the machinery is competitive. However, Ferrari’s current SF-25 appears to be the fourth-fastest car on the grid, raising doubts over whether Lewis Hamilton will have a genuine championship contender in 2026.
Button also highlighted cultural issues within Ferrari, suggesting that many team members are “afraid” of making mistakes. This fear, according to Button, prevents the squad from fully exploiting their technical and strategic potential. Lewis Hamilton has reportedly been advocating for operational improvements at recent races, but he may also need to lead a shift in mentality to inspire the team and create an environment where mistakes are used constructively rather than as a source of caution.
With the Briton’s contract extending to 2026 and only he holding the option to continue, Ferrari faces a critical period. The team must deliver a competitive car and foster a culture that allows Lewis Hamilton to perform at his best. Otherwise, the Formula 1 grid could see one of its most experienced and successful drivers evaluate an exit from the sport after more than two decades at the pinnacle of motorsport.
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