Lewis Hamilton hints at imminent announcement in cryptic social media post

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has hinted at an imminent announcement with a cryptic post shared to his Instagram story.

The Ferrari driver shared a photo of a smoking matchstick leaning up against a box of matches. On the matchbox, it says “08.08”, indicating that an announcement could be coming on 8 August, which is the first weekend of the F1 summer break.

Although the 40-year-old has not shared any further details or clues, it hasn’t stopped the F1 community from speculating about what could be coming. Several fans questioned whether it could be new music released by the British driver or an announcement related to one of his other business ventures, while others went as far as to speculate that he could be announcing his retirement.

Being the second-oldest driver on the F1 grid, Hamilton has faced a great deal of speculation surrounding him nearing the end of his racing career. While speaking to the media during the Canadian Grand Prix, Hamilton shut down reports that he was considering leaving the championship.

“And then also to everyone that’s writing stories of me considering not racing – I mean, I literally only just started, firstly, here with Ferrari, and I’m here for several years,” he said.

“I’m here for the long haul. So there is no question in where my head’s at and what I’m working towards achieving with this team. So there’s zero doubts. Please stop making up stuff.”

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo by: Andy Hone / LAT Images via Getty Images

Hamilton moved to Ferrari at the start of 2025 after a 12-year stint with Mercedes, during which he won six of his seven championship titles.

“I feel like… it was obviously the hardest decision that I think I’ve ever had to make,” he told F1.com at the time of the announcement. “Obviously I’ve been with Mercedes for, I think it’s like 26 years they’ve supported me, and we’ve had an absolutely incredible journey together. We’ve created history within the sport, and it’s something I take a lot of pride in and I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved.

“But I think ultimately I’m writing my story and I felt like it was time to start a new chapter.”

Photos from Belgian GP – Race