Ferrari have one of the oldest combined driver line-ups on the Formula 1 grid and the ageing core will only serve them for so long.
Lewis Hamilton’s performances indicate a gradual decline, and his current deal runs until the end of 2026, with the option for an extra year.
Whether or not he activates an extension depends on a variety of factors, but Ferrari must prove to him that they can win in the future for staying to be worthwhile.
The Briton wants a record eighth drivers’ championship, but he’s going to struggle to do so while battling in the midfield. From next year, he needs a car capable of fighting at the front.
Hamilton raised three critical points and has already set about advising his team where their operation must improve to enjoy success in the future.
It has led Ferrari to ‘experiment’ with Hamilton’s 2026 car, as they look to extract every possible bit of performance that they can from project ‘678’.
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Photo by Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesFerrari have to overlook Oliver Bearman and sign Carlos Sainz when Lewis Hamilton retires
Hamilton’s crucial Ferrari contract clause gives him the right to decide whether he wants to continue in Formula 1 or not beyond 2026.
Either way, his tenure at the Maranello-based outfit won’t last more than a few years unless he pulls a Fernando Alonso-esque move.
Therefore, Ferrari need to plan for the future. Who do they replace the seven-time champion with when he leaves?
Oliver Bearman is the obvious option as a junior driver at Haas, but he still has a lot of development ahead to be ready for the gig.
The most sensible option would be to turn to Carlos Sainz, their ex-driver, and offer him a deal. He has experience, knows the team well, and might be fed up with Williams if they can’t compete in 2026.
Being beaten by teammate Alex Albon most weeks can’t be fun, so a new opportunity is something he might relish.
How Lewis Hamilton is on one of the worst runs of his Formula 1 career
With Hamilton now being 16 races without a podium, he is on the longest run of his career without a rostrum by far.
In fact, it has also been more than 750 days since his last pole position, which beats his old record by over 200 days.
Having finished fourth four times in that run, he has come close, but still needs to do that little bit extra to get over the line ahead of one more rival.
Hamilton must rediscover his greatest strength, otherwise, he risks dropping back into the midfield on a Sunday and setting himself up for failure.