Lewis Hamilton’s debut season with Ferrari has begun with mixed results, fueling discussions about his future in Formula 1. The seasoned racer, now 40, managed to clinch a sprint victory in China and another podium finish in Miami. However, he has mainly secured points finishes, while his teammate, Charles Leclerc, has achieved three podium finishes in Saudi Arabia, Monaco, and Spain.
Currently, the championship standings show only a narrow gap of 23 points between Hamilton and Leclerc, indicating that the performance gap is gradually narrowing. Despite this, Hamilton has faced significant criticism regarding his performance from various corners of the F1 community.
Although Hamilton is under contract with Ferrari for two years, speculation has arisen about whether the team should explore other options for the 2026 season. Furthermore, some commentators have suggested that Hamilton might contemplate stepping back from the sport altogether.
Nevertheless, a recent poll conducted by RacingNews365 revealed that the majority of respondents believe Hamilton should not consider retirement, with only 44 percent suggesting it might be time for him to leave the sport—a fitting number considering his racing number 44. Interestingly, nearly four percent of voters proposed that he might benefit from taking a year off to recharge.
This debate reflects the wider interest in Hamilton’s career trajectory and his impact on F1. As a veteran athlete, his ability to adapt and reclaim his competitive edge will be crucial in the coming races. Overall, fans and analysts alike remain invested in Hamilton’s journey and are eager to see how he responds to the challenges ahead.