Lewis Hamilton’s sensational move to Ferrari has not gone to plan thus far as he still waits for his first podium in the famous red colours.
The seven-time world champion won the Sprint race in Shanghai, but he has not enjoyed much success since then. Whether it be miscommunication with race engineer Ricciardo Adami, poor strategy or a lack of pace, it has been a frustrating first half of 2025 for the Brit.
Hamilton ‘trusted’ Ferrari to deliver a top car during pre-season, but they have not followed through on that promise. The SF-25 has been a difficult machine to drive, with Ferrari being the only top-four team yet to win a Grand Prix this season.
Position Constructors’ Standings PointsPts 1 559 2 260 3 236 4 194 5 70 6 52 7 51 8 45 9 35 10 20
Hamilton has sent documents to Ferrari, detailing how he thinks the team can improve operationally. It is a perfectly normal thing for a driver to do, but his recent performances do not make for good reading.
People in the F1 paddock think Hamilton is ‘not firing properly’ as well as Ferrari after he was knocked out in Q1 at Spa. In Hungary, he qualified and finished in P12 in what was by far his most miserable weekend at the Maranello outfit.
Photo by Andrea Diodato/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesLewis Hamilton retiring at Ferrari in 2025 is a ‘legitimate’ possibility says Christian Danner
Hamilton was completely dejected throughout the weekend, labelling himself ‘useless’. He even suggested that he should be replaced; Ferrari are not turning a ‘blind eye’ to said comments.
The team will not want to give up on the seven-time champion easily, especially given the money they have spent signing him from Mercedes and the commercial value he offers them. However, some journalists believe that Hamilton could quit in 2025 after his comments in Budapest.
Former F1 driver Christian Danner said via ran.de that there was ‘open discussion’ about whether the 40-year-old would call time on his career at the end of the season. While he thinks Hamilton is a ‘fighter’ and will see it out, he cannot rule out the possibility of an early departure.
“That’s a legitimate question,” he said. “I was in Budapest, and there was open discussion about whether Hamilton might throw in the towel.
“On the one hand, that’s conceivable, because he’s currently far from being competitive. On the other hand, that’s not Hamilton’s style. He’s a fighter and wants to prove to the world that he can still do it. Personally, I think he’ll stay and see it through. But you can’t rule out retirement.”
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Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty ImagesFerrari may have already figured out Lewis Hamilton’s replacement when he retires from F1
The Brit has a contract until 2026, with him having the option to extend his Ferrari deal by another year. Hamilton is not likely to race for another F1 team when he leaves Maranello.
His recent comments are concerning as rumours start to swirl about his future. Discussions are already taking place about who will be Ferrari’s next driver when the Brit decides to leave.
F1 commentator Alex Jacques says Oliver Bearman is ‘best positioned’ to replace Hamilton when he retires, with the team keeping a close eye on him at Haas. The 20-year-old has impressed the Maranello outfit with his performances thus far and is next in line to drive in scarlet red.
But there may be other options on the grid for the team to consider. Bernie Ecclestone has told Ferrari to sign Gabriel Bortoleto as the Brazilian is currently producing impressive performances at Sauber.