Lewis Hamilton facing weeks to decide retirement as experts claim Ferrari have ‘perfect’ replacement ready | International Sports News
Fresh questions over Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 future have intensified after several former drivers, journalists and pundits suggested the seven-time world champion could soon face a major decision about retirement following another difficult season with Scuderia Ferrari. Hamilton, now 41, left Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team for Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season in one of the biggest driver moves in Formula 1 history. However, the partnership has so far failed to produce the success many expected. The Brit has still not won a Grand Prix since joining Ferrari, with his last race victory coming for Mercedes in July 2024. Although Hamilton secured his first podium for Ferrari during the Chinese Grand Prix earlier this season, he has otherwise struggled to consistently match team-mate Charles Leclerc, who has largely set the pace inside the Scuderia garage.
Hamilton and Leclerc unveiled the livery for the SF-25 during the F1 75 Live event in London/ Image: F1
Hamilton currently sits fifth in the drivers’ standings, while Ferrari trail Mercedes in the constructors’ championship despite beginning the campaign tipped by many as potential title favourites.
Dutch journalists raise Silverstone retirement theory
Speculation surrounding Hamilton’s future increased further after Dutch journalist Louis Dekker suggested the Ferrari driver could announce his retirement at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, a circuit where Hamilton has won a record nine times. Speaking on the NOS-F1 podcast, Dekker said: “Ferrari is disappointing me. Besides the excellent starts, they are not capable of fighting for victories. They seemed to be the team to beat, but McLaren is once again ahead. “I’d be willing to bet on it. I think Hamilton will announce his retirement at Silverstone at the end of this season.” Former Dutch racing driver Jeroen Bleekemolen agreed that a decision point may be approaching for Hamilton, adding: “He will definitely have to make a decision sooner or later, and perhaps he already has.”
Ralf Schumacher says Hamilton and Alonso should “give young people a chance”
Among the strongest opinions came from former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher, now a respected pundit and co-commentator for Sky Sport Germany. Schumacher, who won six Grands Prix during his own Formula 1 career, argued that both Hamilton and Fernando Alonso should consider stepping away from the grid at the end of the season. Alonso, who currently drives for Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, has endured a difficult campaign himself, with Aston Martin struggling near the back of the grid amid concerns over unreliable and underpowered Honda engines. The Spaniard turns 45 in July but has still expressed interest in continuing beyond the end of his current contract, which runs through the 2026 season.
Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso of Spain leaves after a qualifying session of the of the Miami Formula One Grand Prix auto race, Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, Pool)
Speaking on Sky Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher said: “Hamilton is in a better position again this year but, over the course of the season, he won’t stand a chance against Leclerc. “It’s time – and I have to say the same about Fernando Alonso. Hamilton and Alonso have had a wonderful time in Formula 1. But now it’s time for both of them to step out of their cockpits at the end of the year and give young people a chance.”
Ferrari already have Oliver Bearman waiting in the wings
Much of the discussion around Hamilton’s future has also inevitably led to questions over Ferrari’s long-term succession plan. The Italian team already have highly rated British driver Oliver Bearman within their system after signing him to the Ferrari Driver Academy as a teenager. Bearman, who recently turned 21, is currently racing for Haas F1 Team, Ferrari’s customer team in Formula 1. Haas, founded by American businessman Gene Haas, entered Formula 1 in 2016 and operates with Ferrari engines and extensive technical collaboration.
Haas driver Oliver Bearman of Britain walks down pit lane following his crash during the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at Suzuka in central Japan, Sunday, March 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
The young Brit has impressed during his second full Formula 1 season, and Schumacher believes Bearman would be a worthy long-term replacement should Hamilton eventually walk away. “ If he gets the chance, he’ll even pose a challenge to Charles Leclerc. I’m pretty sure of that – I’d say he’s actually better,” Schumacher claimed.
Karun Chandhok believes retirement talk will intensify around Silverstone
Former Formula 1 driver and current Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok also believes the discussion surrounding Hamilton’s future will become impossible to avoid once the championship reaches Silverstone in July. Speaking exclusively to Express Sport through Betway, Chandhok said: “I think this conversation becomes a talking point when we get to around the British Grand Prix. That’s when we can start to have this conversation.” However, Chandhok also pushed back against the growing certainty from some corners that Hamilton is nearing retirement, arguing that competitiveness remains the biggest factor. “As long as he’s competitive and on par with Charles, and if the car’s competitive and they’re fighting for victories, fighting for podiums, then why would he stop?” Chandhok explained. “If he’s on par with Charles, who is one of the best out there, maybe Lewis can try and use his experience across the season to get ahead of his teammate. But why would he stop? “I think as of today, we can’t answer that question. Everyone’s asking, is this Lewis’s final farewell tour? But we don’t know.”
Hamilton previously insisted: “I’m not going anywhere”
Despite the growing speculation, Hamilton himself publicly dismissed retirement talk earlier this season. Ahead of the campaign, the Ferrari driver posted a message on social media making it clear he still felt fully committed to Formula 1 and to Ferrari’s long-term project. “I love this job so much and I love working with my team and driving for the fans,” Hamilton wrote. “I’m incredibly lucky to be able to do what I do, and I’m excited for the season ahead. I’m re-set and refreshed. I’m not going anywhere, so stick with me.” For now, Hamilton remains under contract with Ferrari and is still believed to have an option in place that could keep him racing into 2027. But with results continuing to fall short of expectations and retirement rumours growing louder ahead of Silverstone, the conversation around Formula 1’s most decorated driver is only becoming more intense.
