Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is facing significant challenges with his performance in Ferrari’s SF25 car, raising doubts about his 2026 season future. As Hamilton continues to lag behind teammate Charles Leclerc in the ongoing 2025 season, former F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has publicly suggested that Hamilton consider retirement amid his recent struggles.
Ongoing Difficulties with Ferrari’s SF25 Threaten Hamilton’s Competitiveness
Since joining Ferrari after the 2024 season, Lewis Hamilton has found it difficult to adapt to the SF25, particularly in light of the introduction of ground-effect cars in Formula 1. The Briton has repeatedly lost ground to Charles Leclerc, who has consistently outperformed him in qualifying and races. A notable example occurred during the Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying, where Hamilton failed to advance to the crucial Q3 session while Leclerc secured pole position.
The race itself did not improve Hamilton’s fortunes, as he finished outside the points and a lap behind the leaders. Following qualifying, Hamilton described his own performance as “useless,” reflecting his evident frustration and lack of rhythm in the current machinery.
Guenther Steiner Questions Hamilton’s Confidence and Suggests Retirement
Guenther Steiner, who once led the Haas F1 Team, weighed in on Hamilton’s struggles by highlighting the psychological toll that poor results can have on an athlete. Steiner stated,
“He has lost his self-confidence. If you no longer believe in yourself, you cannot perform.”
“When reality doesn’t live up to expectations, you lose confidence in yourself. But if you no longer enjoy it, if you realise you’re just struggling, then there’s no point. Then it’s better to say: I tried, it didn’t work, and I’m quitting,” added Steiner. (via Web.de)
These remarks prompted strong reactions from fans, with many defending Hamilton’s legacy and resilience. One fan remarked,
“He is a 7 time world champion. He didn’t become that way because of quitting.”
Others questioned Steiner’s authority to comment, pointing to his own record at Haas, with responses such as,
“says a guy who was kicked out from haas after so many failures and he wasn’t leaving himself”
“Lewis a quitter ? Strange comment. And Steiner has achieved what……?”
Additional fans expressed that persistence is crucial for all elite athletes, countering Steiner’s viewpoint with remarks like,
“Never giving up is like, the number 1 first requirement of any athlete lmfao,”
and
“Not the talk of a winner.”
The 2026 Regulation Changes Could Define Hamilton’s Final Chapter in F1
Looking ahead, Guenther Steiner emphasized the importance of the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season for Lewis Hamilton’s career, which will introduce a fresh batch of technical regulations, including new chassis designs and power units. Steiner suggested that these changes might provide Hamilton with a final opportunity to reclaim his form or face the end of his tenure in F1. He commented,
“With the new ground-effect cars. Lewis struggled from the start. And in 2026 there will be new cars, new engines and no one knows who will be strong then. Maybe he says, ‘I’ll take that with me [into 2026]’. But if that doesn’t work either, then it’s over.” (via Web.de)
Currently, Hamilton trails Leclerc by more than 40 points in the championship standings, underlining the gulf in performance and the uphill battle he faces.
The significance of Hamilton’s 2026 season is considerable, as it may well determine whether the seven-time world champion can maintain his place among F1’s elite or if his recent difficulties signal a final downturn in his legendary career. Observers and fans alike will be watching closely as the new regulations approach, waiting to see if Hamilton can rediscover the confidence and pace that once defined his dominant years.
