Hamilton’s debut season in red fell far short of expectations as Ferrari slipped from title contention to fourth in the constructors’ standings and failed to win a Grand prix. He finished well behind Charles Leclerc in the points and even endured the indignity of three consecutive Q1 exits, a first for a full-time Ferrari driver.​

Those struggles fueled paddock whispers that the seven-time world champion might walk away rather than see out his deal. After Abu Dhabi, Hamilton hit back, stressing that none of his critics had achieved what he has and that his motivation still comes from a deep love of racing and competition.​

Contract Ties and the 2026 Opportunity

Hamilton’s own situation makes a near term exit unlikely. Multiple reports suggest his Ferrari contract runs at least through 2027, widely described as a firm three-year commitment or a two-plus-one structure built around the incoming rules reset.

That timeline aligns neatly with his oft stated desire to race into his forties and to experience the full Ferrari project rather than treat Maranello as a brief swansong.​​

Crucially, the 2026 regulations offer Hamilton and Ferrari a believable route back to the front. The team shifted development focus early to prepare for the new era, while both Hamilton and Leclerc have framed the rule change as a now-or-never moment for Ferrari to return to title contention. Walking away just before that reset would run counter to Hamilton’s stated dream of winning races and championships with F1’s most storied team.​

Signs of a Future Beyond the Cockpit

None of this means Hamilton will race forever. At 40, he has been candid about the physical and mental demands of F1 and has admitted there are aspects of the job he will gladly leave behind, particularly the relentless off track commitments. He is already nurturing projects in fashion, music and activism, building a life that can carry his competitive energy beyond the grid.​

For now, though, the balance is clear. Hamilton acknowledges the strain of a winless campaign but keeps returning to the same refrain about holding on to his dream in red.

Unless Ferrari completely misfires in the new regulations or his motivation collapses, the evidence points to him staying in F1 for at least the first phase of the 2026 era, rather than bowing out after one disappointing season.