26/09/2025 20:03
A difficult Ferrari debut reignites the retirement debate
Lewis Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari has been a grind, with the seven-time World Champion still awaiting his first podium for the Scuderia. After years of headline-making success in the 2010s, his recent results—coupled with being outpaced by team-mates George Russell and Charles Leclerc across the last couple of seasons—have prompted fresh scrutiny.
The case for stepping away
- Results: The trophies have dried up compared to his dominant peak.
- Form vs machinery: Hamilton hasn’t consistently had the car advantage he once enjoyed, amplifying every off-weekend.
- Voices in the paddock: Former F1 driver David Brabham recently suggested Hamilton should have walked away years ago.
The case for racing on
- Pedigree: Few drivers manage tyre life, racecraft and development feedback like Hamilton.
- Ceiling remains high: With the right setup window and strategy roll, he still produces elite stints and recovery drives.
- Ferrari project: Big team transitions often require time; unlocking performance can flip narratives quickly.
Legacy isn’t one season deep
Whether this is a late-career lull or a platform for resurgence, Hamilton’s legacy is already secure. The real question is whether the Ferrari chapter becomes a coda or a comeback. For now, the grid’s most decorated driver appears committed to proving there’s more to write.
