Lewis Hamilton might be nearing the end of his F1 career, according to Romain Grosjean, who thinks the Ferrari driver’s challenging 2025 season could be pushing him closer to retirement.
“2026 could be one of his last. Also, he’s not young anymore,” Grosjean said about the seven-time world champion.
The 39-year-old Hamilton had a tough first season with Ferrari after his shocking move from Mercedes, prompting speculation about how much longer he’ll stay in the sport.
Grosjean doesn’t expect Hamilton to make a sudden exit like Nico Rosberg did after winning the championship in 2016.
“You never know. Nico Rosberg, five days after becoming world champion, walked away from Formula 1. It was a shock. Is Lewis going to walk away? I don’t think so,” Grosjean told Formula 1.
He believes Hamilton’s competitive nature will keep him around a bit longer.
“I think he has pride and competitiveness; he wants to do well and cannot finish a season like he just did. My guess is he’s going to be here in 2026, but 2026 could be one of his last.”
The former Haas driver pointed to Hamilton’s age and lengthy career as factors that might push him toward retirement.
“He’s not young anymore. I mean, not old, but for a race car driver, he’s on the older side. And he’s been competing in Formula 1 since 2007.”
That’s nearly two decades in the high-pressure world of Formula 1.
“That’s going to be 19 years next year, and it’s a world that takes a lot out of you. Eventually, you’re tired of it, and you just want to go home,” Grosjean added.
Despite the disappointing results with Ferrari this season, Hamilton has repeatedly told GPblog that he still loves racing when asked about his future plans.
## Ferrari’s 2026 car could decide Hamilton’s fate
Former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner thinks Ferrari needs to get their 2026 car right if they want to keep Hamilton motivated to continue racing.
The 60-year-old believes the performance of the Maranello team’s next car will play a huge role in whether Hamilton decides to extend his legendary career.
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