Günther Steiner drops a bombshell: “Hamilton might decide he doesn’t feel like doing another season.”
According to some, Ferrari incredibly risks losing Lewis Hamilton as early as the end of 2025. The possibility of an early retirement, hinted at by Steiner, will become clearer after the summer break.
According to the former Haas team principal, the seven-time world champion is disappointed, under pressure, and far from meeting the expectations Ferrari had placed on him in Maranello—factors which, combined with his current state of mind, could foreshadow a drastic decision.
A year that started well… then went dark
Hamilton’s adventure in red began with excitement, capped by pole position and a Sprint Race victory in Shanghai. Then came the drop-off: disappointing results, shaken confidence, and a head-to-head comparison with Charles Leclerc that clearly tilts in favor of the Monegasque driver.
“He’s not useless, but he’s not delivering what was expected,” Steiner told web.de. “He’s dissatisfied and under huge pressure. I had given him time until the summer, but expectations haven’t been met.”
Age and car, not an excuse for Steiner
For Steiner, age is not a decisive factor, and the SF-25 has enough potential to allow a champion to adapt and make the difference.
“I don’t think it was a mistake to go to Ferrari. Maybe he would have had the same problems at Mercedes. It was a courageous choice: sometimes you have to try, even if it doesn’t work out.”
Retirement: a real possibility
Hamilton has a contract until 2026, with an option for 2027, but his career could shockingly stop earlier—just over ten races from now. “The summer break will be decisive,” Steiner says. “He could come back more relaxed and improve, or realize he doesn’t want to face another season.”
One key point is that Hamilton no longer needs F1 as a platform: his name and brand live on even outside the paddock. “Many drivers need F1 to stay relevant; Lewis doesn’t. If he decides it’s time, he’ll just say it—simple as that.”
Photo: Scuderia Ferrari HP
