Lewis Hamilton has indicated that his retirement plans are partly shaped by the enduring career of his rival Fernando Alonso. As Alonso continues competing at an elite level at age 44, Hamilton appears to be using his former McLaren teammate’s longevity as a reference point for how long he might stay in Formula 1.
Alonso, now driving for Aston Martin, has experienced a notable resurgence in 2025, accumulating 30 points over the last eight race weekends. His team aims to challenge for the championship, and there remains hope Alonso can achieve a 33rd race win before retiring, having last won in 2013 at the Spanish Grand Prix. Alonso’s extensive career, which began in 2001, includes two world championships in 2005 and 2006, and he holds the record for most race starts at 418.
Hamilton ranks second in race starts and is recognized as the most successful driver statistically in F1 history. He shares the record for most world championships, seven, with Michael Schumacher and leads in all-time race wins, podiums, and pole positions. Despite this, Hamilton’s 2025 season at Ferrari has been difficult, as he has yet to reach a podium and has been consistently outpaced by his teammate Charles Leclerc, sparking speculation about his future in the sport.
At 40 years old, Hamilton is four years younger than Alonso and has publicly expressed that he is monitoring Alonso’s career as a benchmark. In an interview with L’Equipe, Hamilton reflected on his post-racing future, saying,
“No, I don’t think so. I don’t know if I really want to come back. I can’t imagine coming to a circuit and staying in the garage.”
He added a note of uncertainty while considering staying connected to racing from a distance.
“I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon, and I really appreciate that Fernando is continuing, because that means he’s older than me. Yes, I’ll just keep going, until he’s 50.”
Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 driver
Performance Challenges for Hamilton in the 2025 Season
This season, Hamilton currently holds sixth place in the drivers’ standings, trailing leader Oscar Piastri by 203 points. More strikingly, he lags 44 points behind Leclerc, his Ferrari teammate, who has outqualified Hamilton 13 times in 17 races so far. Hamilton has yet to secure a podium finish or mount a serious challenge for a race victory during these outings.
Beyond the numbers, Hamilton’s demeanor in interviews conveys frustration. Following the Hungarian Grand Prix, he candidly described himself as “useless” and even suggested the team might consider replacing him if his performance does not improve. Despite the difficulties, Hamilton remains under contract with Ferrari until the conclusion of the 2026 season, with no indications he intends to leave early.
Alonso’s Impact on Hamilton’s Future Decisions
Fernando Alonso’s continued competitiveness at an advanced age has become a critical factor in Hamilton’s contemplation of when to retire. Alonso’s longevity highlights the possibility of extending a career at the pinnacle of motorsport well past the typical retirement age. Hamilton’s acknowledgment of Alonso’s persistence points to a willingness to match or exceed that timeline, suggesting he aims to compete until at least 50.
While Hamilton’s current form contrasts sharply with Alonso’s recent resurgence, the comparison underscores the intense pressure that elite drivers face as they age and adapt to evolving team environments and competition. Hamilton’s remarks about potentially disengaging from the paddock after retiring reveal a possible desire to step away completely rather than retain a behind-the-scenes role within the sport.
The endurance and ongoing rivalry between Hamilton and Alonso symbolize a broader narrative in Formula 1 about experience versus emerging talent, with drivers like Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri reshaping the competitive landscape. As Hamilton navigates this challenging phase of his career, his retirement plans appear flexible but deeply influenced by the example set by Alonso’s remarkable staying power.
