The world of Formula 1 was shaken by the bombshell announcement that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will end his career after a turbulent start to his journey at Ferrari at the end of the 2025 season. The British icon, who had joined the legendary Italian team with high hopes of an eighth title, faced unprecedented difficulties, leading to a decision that sent shockwaves through the sport.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was celebrated as a dream pairing, combining the most successful driver in F1 with its most traditional team. Fans dreamed that he would make history and surpass Michael Schumacher’s championship record with the legendary Red Ferrari. However, the 2025 season turned into a nightmare. Hamilton, now 40 years old, never finished higher than fifth in his first five races. His seventh-place finish in Saudi Arabia was particularly disappointing, where he was more than 30 seconds behind his teammate Charles Leclerc. His only highlight, a sprint win in China, was overshadowed by a disqualification in the main race due to technical violations.
The difficulties stemmed from Hamilton’s inability to adapt to the Ferrari SF-25 car. He described the experience as “painful” and admitted to reporters: “I’ve tried everything, but the car just doesn’t respond.” Data shows that Hamilton consistently loses time in corners, and despite similar setups, he cannot keep up with Leclerc’s pace. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur remains supportive, insisting that the car’s potential is there, but Hamilton’s frustration is clearly evident. “There is no solution,” he told Dschidda, indicating that a moment of suffering was inevitable.
Speculation about Hamilton’s future grew when former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher suggested that he could retire from the sport if the situation did not improve. This opinion was also reflected in posts on X (formerly Twitter). Fans and experts debated whether Hamilton’s age or the Ferrari car was to blame. Some pointed to his glamorous victories, 103 career wins, 104 pole positions, and his legacy as F1’s first Black driver as a sufficient reason for him to retire on his own terms. Others argued that his thirst for success could keep him in the race after an eighth title.
Hamilton’s decision to end his career doesn’t seem solely based on his performance. Sources close to the driver indicate that he has thought about his legacy and personal goals, including his commitment to diversity and environmental protection. His move to Ferrari was partly about fulfilling a childhood dream, but the harsh reality of non-competitive results changed his perspective. “I don’t want to look back and regret not trying,” Hamilton once said, but now he seems ready to close this chapter.
As F1 heads to Miami, the paddock is filled with questions: Can Hamilton turn things around at Ferrari? Or will he go down in history as a legend who chased one last dream? The sport is currently preparing for a future without its biggest star, a man whose influence extends far beyond racing. Hamilton’s final races will be a heartfelt farewell to a career that has redefined Formula 1.
