Hamilton’s Ferrari Exit Rumors: Fact or Fiction?

Lewis Hamilton‘s Ferrari Future in Doubt for 2027

Sources close to ESPN suggest seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton won’t be offered a Ferrari contract for 2027.

If this rumor had surfaced during the first half of this season, few would’ve questioned it.

Hamilton’s 2025 campaign looks pretty disappointing on paper. After 20 races, he has no wins, no podiums, and not a single pole position in the main events. His only bright spot came way back at the Chinese Grand Prix, where he managed both pole and victory in the sprint race.

Comparing his results to teammate Charles Leclerc, it’s easy to think Hamilton might be past his prime. But there’s more to this story.

The truth is Hamilton’s first season in red has coincided with Ferrari’s worst performance in years.

## Ferrari Struggling Throughout 2025

The famous Italian team is staring at a winless season.

In a year dominated by McLaren, Ferrari has only truly challenged for victory once.

That chance came in Hungary, where Leclerc grabbed pole position and looked set for the win until his car mysteriously lost pace. It’s been that kind of year for Ferrari – whenever success seems possible, something goes wrong.

But beyond bad luck, Ferrari simply hasn’t had the performance. Outside of Hungary and possibly Monaco, they haven’t been contenders at all. That’s shocking for a team that fought for championships just last season.

Team principal Frederic Vasseur explained to Auto, motor und sport that the team prioritized developing certain mechanical areas that could carry over to next year’s car, when F1 introduces perhaps the biggest rule changes in the sport’s history.

This strategy, combined with Hamilton’s adjustment period, helps explain why the partnership hasn’t delivered the expected results.

## Hamilton’s Massive Adjustment Challenge

The British driver has had to adapt to completely new engine, braking and software systems.

He’s been forced to change his driving style while learning how to set up the SF-25 – making familiar tracks feel brand new because his Ferrari behaves nothing like his previous cars.

But since the Dutch Grand Prix, Hamilton has found his footing. He’s not only closed the gap to Leclerc but often outperformed him in both qualifying and races.

In Italy, Azerbaijan, Singapore, and the US, the performance difference between the teammates practically disappeared.

At the recent Mexican Grand Prix, Hamilton was fighting for a podium until a series of setbacks – including being forced off track by Leclerc at Turn 1 (which went unpunished) and a controversial 10-second penalty. Even then, the 40-year-old put in an impressive recovery drive to finish 8th.

That result, combined with Leclerc’s second place, helped Ferrari reclaim second in the Constructors’ Championship ahead of Mercedes and Red Bull – proving Hamilton still has the pace, determination and hunger to win.

## Why 2026 Should Determine Hamilton’s Future

By 2026, Hamilton will have completed his adjustment to Ferrari. If they build a competitive car, he’ll likely be one of the most dangerous drivers on the grid.

Talking about dropping him for 2027 before 2026 even starts is ridiculous. It’s as baseless as the recurring rumors about Vasseur losing his job – stories that Ferrari’s leadership has repeatedly denied.

Hamilton remains the most successful driver in F1 history. Considering how quickly he’s matched Leclerc’s impressive pace, questioning his abilities seems short-sighted.

Ending what’s been the highest-profile team/driver pairing in modern F1 would be crazy, especially given the untapped potential of this partnership.

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