Lewis Hamilton retirement odds have shifted significantly, with a top bookmaker now making him the leading candidate to leave Formula 1 within the next year. The seven-time world champion’s difficulties since joining Ferrari in 2025, coupled with his visible frustration, have fueled widespread speculation about his future in the sport.
Uncertain Future Despite Lengthy Contract
Questions about Hamilton’s long-term plans have grown as the season has progressed. After a challenging debut year with Ferrari in 2025—which saw Hamilton fail to secure a single podium finish—the pressure has increased, as has his apparent despondency during regular media appearances. While exact terms of his Ferrari contract remain confidential, Hamilton previously described it as “a pretty long contract,” suggesting he could remain with the team until at least the end of 2027, depending on personal options written into his agreement.
Despite these options, current bookmaker odds reflect strong expectations of an earlier departure. Betfair has Hamilton at 4/5 to retire by the end of 2026, more likely than any other potential outcome. The odds extend to 5/1 for a 2027 retirement, and 8/1 should Hamilton continue racing beyond that. This shift in Lewis Hamilton retirement odds highlights growing uncertainty about whether he will see out his full tenure with Ferrari.
Bookmakers Weigh F1’s British Stars
Alongside speculation about Hamilton, bookmaker spokesperson Sam Rosbottom commented on wider British prospects in the upcoming season, stating,
“In F1, it is Evens that we see another British driver winning the drivers’ championship, with George Russell 4/1 to go all the way.”
Rosbottom also addressed Hamilton’s odds, adding,
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton is odds-on to retire before the end of the year, with the F1 icon 5/1 to race for one more year.
— Sam Rosbottom, Company Spokesperson
This focus on national contenders underscores the shifting dynamics within the British driver field, as Russell’s potential rise intersects with growing expectations of Hamilton’s exit.
Ferrari Leadership Remains Confident Despite Challenges
While Hamilton’s demeanor has raised eyebrows publicly, inside Ferrari, team boss Fred Vasseur remains supportive of the experienced driver. Vasseur emphasized that despite outward frustrations, Hamilton remains engaged in solving the team’s problems and continues to be a collaborative influence within the organization.
“I respect perfectly the position of the drivers when they have this attitude. Then the most important for me is also to have someone collaborating with the team,”
Vasseur said.
He continued by highlighting the benefit of having a driver focused on internal teamwork, even during tough stretches of the season:
“It’s much better to have someone not speaking in the TV pen and coming back to the debriefing, speaking with the engineers, trying to find solutions and it’s the attitude that Lewis had even when he had a tough moment in the last part of the season and this is putting a positive energy into the team.”
Now, honestly, and I have exactly the same situation with all of you, that when you are jumping on me and I’m going down to the pit-wall after a tough race and you have tons of questions, sometimes I don’t want to spend too much time to answer the questions.
— Fred Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal
Vasseur’s comments signal that, from the team’s perspective, Hamilton’s commitment to Ferrari has not wavered, even if public appearances have suggested otherwise.
What Lies Ahead for Hamilton and Ferrari?
Hamilton’s future remains a hot topic as bookmaker odds have shifted toward an early retirement. Despite his contract’s length and internal support from Ferrari’s management, his lack of podiums and rising visible frustration suggest a pivotal period ahead. How the next season unfolds could be decisive for both Hamilton’s legacy and Ferrari’s broader ambitions within Formula 1, while speculation about Lewis Hamilton retirement odds is likely to persist until a formal decision is made.
