Lewis Hamilton expressed serious worries about his future with Ferrari after a disappointing performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion qualified only 12th, describing his own pace as “useless” and suggesting that the team should consider removing him from their lineup.
Currently sitting sixth in the drivers‘ championship, Hamilton has yet to secure a podium finish with Ferrari in 2025, while his teammate Charles Leclerc has earned five podiums this season. His struggles at the Hungarian GP culminated in a race where he failed to improve on his starting position, deepening concerns about his form.
Insights from Post-Race Interview Reveal Ongoing Challenges
Following the race, Hamilton gave a notably somber interview with Sky Sports F1’s Rachel Brookes. When questioned about a collision with Max Verstappen that pushed him off track, Hamilton said,
“I don’t really remember it to be honest.”
He also addressed his earlier comments about feeling “useless” in qualifying:
“When you have a feeling you have a feeling, and there’s a lot going on in the background that’s not great.”
Despite these struggles, Hamilton firmly denied losing his passion for racing, stating, No, I still love racing.
Speculation Grows Over Hamilton’s Seat at Ferrari in 2026
Hamilton’s candid remarks have sparked debate about whether he will continue racing beyond the current contract, which runs through the end of 2026. During the Hungarian GP weekend, former driver Ralf Schumacher suggested that Hamilton might retire early rather than continue with Ferrari. However, the team appears to be aiming for continuity, having extended team principal Fred Vasseur’s contract through the 2026 season despite a tough 2025 campaign.
Both Hamilton and Leclerc have publicly backed Vasseur, reducing speculation about management upheaval and indicating a desire within Ferrari to maintain stability at all levels. The team will likely want to provide Hamilton support, given how vital his experience will be as Formula 1 prepares to introduce sweeping regulation changes in 2026.
Ferrari’s Urgent Need for a Resurgent Hamilton
With new rules set to reshape the sport next year, Ferrari requires a confident and competitive Hamilton to contend at the front. As of now, Hamilton is far from the dominant figure he once was, raising fears among fans and experts about the team‘s prospects in the near future.
Despite his gloomy public statements and ongoing difficulty on track, there has been no official indication that Hamilton plans to break his contract or leave Ferrari before its conclusion.
Current Season Context and Wider F1 Landscape
Hamilton’s struggles come during a season filled with dramatic moments and fierce competition. Teams like McLaren and Red Bull continue to battle intensely, with McLaren challenging for the title and Red Bull facing penalties for regulatory breaches. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s teammate Charles Leclerc maintains strong championship contention through consistent podium results.
Within this dynamic, Hamilton’s difficulties stand out as a focal point of tension and uncertainty for Ferrari, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing championship fight and team dynamics.
