Lewis Hamilton, the 41-year-old seven-time Formula 1 world champion, appears poised to retire once he acknowledges that an eighth title with Ferrari remains out of reach. Ferrari continues to trail its competitors this season, despite high expectations at the start.

Ferrari’s Performance Struggles

Ferrari entered the year as Mercedes’ primary challengers, confident in their chassis design. However, engine power deficits hampered progress. A major aerodynamic upgrade in Miami yielded limited gains, while Mercedes secures victories and McLaren emerges as the frontrunner.

Hamilton’s Mixed Season

Hamilton faced a challenging debut year with Ferrari but showed renewed vigor post-winter break. He claimed a podium in China, snapping a prolonged top-three drought. Yet, he has largely trailed teammate Charles Leclerc, fueling talk that 2025 could mark his final F1 campaign.

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher recently advised Hamilton, “it’s time to retire.” Speculation swirls around a potential announcement at the July British Grand Prix, though no firm indications exist.

Guenther Steiner’s Analysis

Guenther Steiner, ex-Haas team principal, predicts Hamilton’s exit hinges on accepting his Ferrari championship aspirations are over. “Last year was very difficult for him,” Steiner stated. “It was difficult for Ferrari as well. There was a lot of pressure bringing the seven-time world champion in, the GOAT in and he was not performing.”

Steiner emphasized Hamilton’s self-driven motivation: “I think the question of how long he stays in F1 depends on how much success he wants to have, because he doesn’t have to prove anything to anybody anymore. He only wants to prove to himself that he can still do it. At some stage he will say he’s had enough of this, but I think when he realizes that he cannot win the eighth world championship in a Ferrari, that is when he will say, ‘I want to stop.’ That’s when a seat will open up for Bearman.”

Oliver Bearman’s Rise

Ferrari academy graduate Oliver Bearman, 21, has impressed in his rookie stint with customer team Haas. Sources indicate he tops Ferrari’s list to succeed Hamilton.

Steiner praised Bearman’s readiness: “I think Oliver now is ready to go to a team where he can win races or at least go to the podium. He’s had his learning with Haas, he had good results last year with Haas, he will have good results this year, but then you need to move on if you want to go to the podium. If you can do it as a driver, you need to have the machine to do that as well, and now, I think that is not where he is.”