Should Lewis Hamilton Retire if He Wins His Eighth Title with Ferrari?

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has not only shaken up the Formula 1 grid but also reignited debates about his legacy and future in the sport. At 40 years old, the seven-time world champion remains laser-focused on one objective—winning an eighth title to surpass Michael Schumacher and become the most successful driver in F1 history. However, some believe that achieving this historic feat with Ferrari should be the perfect moment for Hamilton to retire, ending his career on a golden note.

Among those who share this view is Tom Coronel, a veteran Dutch racer and well-known figure in motorsport. In a recent interview with RacingNews365, Coronel stated that if Hamilton leads Ferrari to a championship victory in his first season, he should walk away from the sport at the peak of his career.

“If in the first year in red he wins the championship, then he’s ready. He can move on with his life and do other things,” Coronel remarked.

A Legendary Farewell or Another Chapter?

Winning a title with Ferrari, the most iconic team in F1 history, would not only solidify Hamilton’s status among the all-time greats but also serve as a storybook ending to an already legendary career. Ferrari has been chasing a drivers’ championship since 2007, and if Hamilton were to break that drought, his name would be etched in Scuderia folklore forever.

Adding to the narrative, Hamilton himself has always expressed admiration for Ferrari, describing it as a childhood dream to race for the Italian outfit. If he can deliver them a title and stand atop the sport once again, would there be a better time to step away?

The Competitive Fire Still Burns

Despite the romanticism of a triumphant farewell, Hamilton’s fiercely competitive nature suggests he may not be ready to walk away—even if he wins an eighth championship. Throughout his career, Hamilton has shown an insatiable hunger for success, always seeking new challenges.

History has proven that great drivers often extend their careers beyond expectations. Both Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso continued racing well into their 40s, chasing more success despite already cementing their legacies. If Hamilton finds himself in a competitive Ferrari, would he not be tempted to aim for a ninth title and further raise the bar?

A New Rivalry with Verstappen?

Coronel also highlighted that Formula 1 has become predictable due to Max Verstappen’s dominance, making a Hamilton vs. Verstappen rematch in 2025 a dream scenario for fans.

“Of course, I would rather see Max become champion again—that’s a fact. But he has won last year and the two years before as well. Formula 1 is a little monotonous like this,” Coronel explained.

A title fight between Hamilton and Verstappen would undoubtedly inject fresh excitement into the sport. If Hamilton wins in 2025, the temptation to defend his title could be too strong to resist.

Will Hamilton Retire if He Wins?

The prospect of Hamilton retiring after winning an eighth title is intriguing, but far from certain. His passion for racing, Ferrari’s long-term ambitions, and a potential rivalry with Verstappen could all influence his decision.

Ultimately, whether Hamilton chooses to step away or continue racing, his place in Formula 1 history is already secured. However, if he does manage to deliver Ferrari a title in 2025, it would be one of the greatest achievements in the sport’s history—a moment worthy of a final bow