When could Lewis Hamilton retire? A former F1 driver reveals his prediction. Former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese believes Lewis Hamilton could have two more years to chase his eighth world title.

Lewis Hamilton’s possible retirement season revealed: “If I were in his position…”

There are growing speculations about when Lewis Hamilton might decide to retire from Formula 1, and one former driver has pointed to a specific window that could mark the end of the seven-time world champion’s legendary career. In the world of Formula 1 — where every decision can shape a career and even the history of Ferrari — former Italian driver Riccardo Patrese has shared his thoughts on Hamilton’s complicated debut season with the Scuderia and the challenges he will face in the years ahead.

Hamilton now finds himself chasing a difficult goal. Following the Singapore Grand Prix, the British driver equaled Didier Pironi’s record among Ferrari drivers who went 18 races without a podium finish. Despite his remarkable skill and vast experience, his start with the Maranello-based team has not been as smooth as many fans expected. Still, Lewis Hamilton has shown flashes of brilliance — from pole position in the Chinese Sprint to victory in Shanghai, and a strong third place in the Miami Sprint. However, race Sundays have brought far fewer rewards, with his best finishes being three fourth places — at Imola, Austria, and Silverstone. The end of his career may be approaching, but before retiring, Hamilton seems determined to close an important chapter with Ferrari.

Hamilton’s title chase according to Riccardo Patrese

According to former Formula 1 driver Riccardo Patrese, Lewis Hamilton still has two more years to make one final push for the elusive eighth world title. Speaking in an interview with Escapist Magazine, Patrese commented: “Lewis can do whatever he wants, but I think he wants to finish his career on a high note, possibly with good results and that long-awaited eighth title. If I were in his position, I would try until the very end to get the best possible results. I hope that with his experience, he can help organize the team better from within. I really hope so, because I’m Italian — my son races with Ferrari, so I feel emotionally connected to the team. I was never a Ferrari driver myself, but I’m still a bit of a Ferrari fan, so I truly hope they find the right solution.”

Riccardo Patrese’s reflections open an interesting perspective — not only about Hamilton’s future, but also about the crucial influence his experience could have in helping Ferrari improve internally. The mix between Hamilton’s driving talent and Ferrari’s engineering strength could still deliver major results for the team and its fans. The 2026 season, with the introduction of new regulations, could prove decisive in shaping the British champion’s final chapter in Formula 1.