Lewis Hamilton could decide to retire from Formula 1 once he believes an eighth world championship with Ferrari is no longer achievable. The assessment was made by former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, who believes Hamilton’s remaining motivation in Formula 1 is now entirely centred on securing another drivers’ title.
Hamilton began a new chapter with Ferrari in 2025 after leaving Mercedes, the team that delivered six of his seven world championships and established one of the most successful partnerships in Formula 1 history. However, his first season with Ferrari proved extremely difficult as he failed to score a podium finish and ended the championship only sixth overall, marking the worst campaign of his F1 career.
The 2026 season has shown more encouraging signs for the British driver. Hamilton secured a podium finish in Shanghai and currently sits fifth in the championship standings with 51 points after four rounds. Even so, Ferrari has still struggled to consistently match the outright pace of McLaren and Red Bull Racing in the fight for victories.
Steiner believes Hamilton no longer has anything left to prove to Formula 1 itself. According to the former Haas boss, the seven-time world champion is now primarily motivated by proving to himself that he still has the ability to become world champion again.
“I think it depends on how much success he still wants to achieve. Lewis doesn’t need to prove anything to anybody anymore. He only wants to prove to himself that he can still do it,” Steiner said.
Steiner also suggested Hamilton’s retirement decision will ultimately come when he accepts that Ferrari cannot provide him with a realistic opportunity to secure a record-breaking eighth championship. In his view, the long-term competitiveness of Ferrari’s project will define how long Hamilton remains in Formula 1.
“When he realises he cannot win the eighth world championship with Ferrari, that’s when he will say he has had enough and wants to stop,” Steiner added.
The situation also connects closely to Ferrari’s broader long-term direction as the team continues developing its programme around the major Formula 1 regulation changes introduced for 2026. Hamilton is expected to remain central to Ferrari’s technical development project, particularly in areas involving the new power unit generation, energy efficiency, and aerodynamic balance that now define the performance of the current cars.
At the same time, Steiner’s comments have intensified discussion regarding the future of Oliver Bearman, who is widely viewed as a strong candidate for a future Ferrari race seat. Should Hamilton choose to retire within the next few seasons, Ferrari could accelerate its transition toward a younger generation of drivers as part of its long-term Formula 1 strategy.
Baca Juga
Kimi Antonelli mengungkap Mercedes memberi kebebasan bertarung melawan George Russell dalam perebutan gelar F1 2026 dengan syarat khusus.
Jolyon Palmer menilai Ferrari akan kesulitan mengendalikan rivalitas Lewis Hamilton dan Charles Leclerc jika keduanya bersaing memperebutkan gelar dunia.
Daniel Ricciardo mengaku belum menutup peluang kembali balapan meski saat ini menikmati kehidupan setelah meninggalkan Formula 1.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!