Lewis Hamilton’s debut season with Ferrari was one to forget, as he went the entire year without a single Grand Prix podium for the first time in his career.
Ferrari endured one of their worst seasons in recent memory, and Hamilton’s P8 finish after another Q1 exit painted a clear picture of just how much ground they had lost.
On the other side of the garage, Charles Leclerc was busy trying to disrupt Lando Norris’ title celebrations and finished fourth, which only highlighted the gap between him and Hamilton.
As the results continued to disappoint, questions began to surface about whether Hamilton still had a future in Formula 1.
Hamilton is tied down until 2027 with a three-year deal at Ferrari, but Martin Brundle and Nico Rosberg have already started talking about what he needs to do in a bid to avoid losing his seat earlier than expected.
Martin Brundle raises concerns about Lewis Hamilton’s future after 2025 Ferrari season
The two ex-drivers were discussing the seven-time world champion’s path forward during Sky Sports F1’s coverage (7/12, 4:18 pm).
Rosberg asked: “It’s horribly tough. And that’s why, actually, Martin, do you think he might call it a day on this incredible career and retire?”
Brundle answered: “The trouble is that his stats and his reputation are not being enhanced with this.
“But I would have thought he’ll wait and see if Ferrari get it together for 2026, see how he’s going, see how they’re going if he’s enjoying it.
“I think if we were asking that question a year from now when he’s had a difficult season. I would be very surprised if he just switches it off in the winter. What do you think?”
Rosberg continued: “I think he has to continue because stopping is not cool.
“He only just started this Ferrari project, and to give up in a way after only one season, I think that doesn’t work.
“So, he has to continue and give it another shot and hope that maybe he feels comfortable with next year’s car because this year’s car is not great.”
Brundle was then asked if Hamilton still has the ability to outperform Leclerc, replying: “Not on this year’s results, no.
“But let’s see how he copes with the way the cars [drive next year], they’re going to handle completely differently.”
Rosberg concluded: “I think his great struggle this year was qualifying pace, because in the race, there were always still these flashes of brilliance that we kept on seeing again.
“It’s his qualifying pace, and with the cars being so different next year, maybe he can find some of that old magic again in qualifying. So the hope is still there, definitely.”
Lewis Hamilton congratulates Lando Norris after 2025 title win
Since that controversial finish in Abu Dhabi back in 2021, Hamilton has not really been close to challenging for an eighth world title.
Mercedes were struggling during his final seasons there, and Ferrari have not made any real progress since he joined them.
After the race, Hamilton congratulated Norris, who became the 11th British driver to win a world championship.
As he crossed the line, the seven-time world champion sent a message over team radio that sounded hopeful about Ferrari’s future, hinting that retirement is not on his mind just yet.
The direction of next season could play a big part in what comes next. If Ferrari show signs of progress, it could give him plenty of reason to stick around.
If things do not improve and he continues to trail Leclerc within the team, it might be harder for him to justify staying much longer.
- READ MORE: Max Verstappen fans share same verdict on Lando Norris’ move on Yuki Tsunoda in Abu Dhabi
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