Lewis Hamilton retirement theory raised with Ferrari decision 'needed sooner or later'

Lewis Hamilton has been told he will need to make a crunch decision over his retirement from F1 "sooner rather than later." The seven-time world champion has struggled since leaving Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025, with one theory emerging that he will announce his retirement at the British Grand Prix as rumours over his future continue to grow. Hamilton is yet to win a Grand Prix since his move to the Italians, with his last victory on the track coming for the Silver Arrows in July 2024.

The Brit, 41, has been off the pace again this season and has often being eclipsed by his team-mate, Charles Leclerc, with the exception coming in the Chinese Grand Prix in March, where he secured his first podium with the Scuderia. Yet two F1 journalists believe a major call on Hamilton's future is coming. The F1 icon currently resides in fifth place in the drivers' standings, while Ferrari lag in second behind Mercedes in the constructors' championship.

In an appearance on the NOS-F1 podcast, journalist Louis Dekker thinks Hamilton could make an announcement at Silverstone, the track he has won at a record nine times. He said: “Ferrari is disappointing me. Besides the excellent starts, they are not capable of fighting for victories. They seemed to be the team to beat, but McLaren is once again ahead. I'd be willing to bet on it. I think Hamilton will announce his retirement at Silverstone at the end of this season.”

Jeroen Bleekemolen added: “He will definitely have to make a decision sooner or later, and perhaps he already has.” Ralph Schumacher, a six-time Grand Prix winner, believes Hamilton, and 45-year-old Fernando Alonso, who is currently driving for Aston Martin, will call it a day this year.

FOLLOW OUR F1 FB PAGE! Get all the latest from our Formula 1 coverage via our dedicated Facebook page

He told Sky Germany's Backstage Boxengasse podcast: "Hamilton is in a better position again this year but, over the course of the season, he won't stand a chance against Leclerc.

"It's time – and I have to say the same about Fernando Alonso. Hamilton and Alonso have had a wonderful time in Formula 1. But now it's time for both of them to step out of their cockpits at the end of the year and give young people a chance."

Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok echoes the theory that Hamilton’s future will come under the spotlight around the British Grand Prix in July. Speaking exclusively to Express Sport through Betway, Chandhok said: “I think this conversation becomes a talking point when we get to around the British Grand Prix. That's when we can start to have this conversation.”

Although he claimed that Hamilton's fighting spirit may see him stick around a while longer, adding: “As long as he's competitive and on par with Charles, and if the car's competitive and they're fighting for victories, fighting for podiums, then why would he stop?

“If he's on par with Charles, who is one of the best out there, maybe Lewis can try and use his experience across the season to get ahead of his teammate. But why would he stop? I think as of today, we can't answer that question. Everyone's asking, is this Lewis's final farewell tour? But we don't know."

At the start of the season, Hamilton himself stated he wasn't thinking of retiring. Posting on social media, he said: "I love this job so much and I love working with my team and driving for the fans. I’m incredibly lucky to be able to do what I do, and I’m excited for the season ahead. I’m re-set and refreshed. I’m not going anywhere, so stick with me."