Is Lewis Hamilton Preparing to Walk Away from F1?
The buzz around Lewis Hamilton’s future in F1 just got louder. After a lackluster performance in Hungary and a frustrating first half of the season with Ferrari, even Hamilton seems to be dropping hints about stepping away. Now Ralf Schumacher is joining the chorus of ex-drivers like Damon Hill and Martin Brundle saying he wouldn’t be shocked if Hamilton called it quits sooner rather than later.
Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher reflected on Hamilton’s mood following the Budapest GP. “Something has changed with Lewis,” he said, pointing out that the British driver’s recent comments suggest he may already be contemplating retirement. Hamilton even hinted that Ferrari might need to start thinking about a replacement.
From the Podium to Hollywood
Schumacher suggested that Hamilton’s interests outside the racetrack, particularly his Hollywood ventures, may now be taking center stage. “He’s a very wealthy man,” Schumacher noted. “It’s entirely possible that he just decides to walk away and focus on film. At 40, it’s not strange to make that kind of choice.”
Indeed, Hamilton’s growing involvement in movie production and activism could be pulling him away from the sport that defined his career. Schumacher believes this internal shift is already underway, adding, “If nothing drastic changes, he might say at the end of the year: I’m done.”
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Will Ferrari Have to Rethink Its 2025 Plans?
If Hamilton truly is on the verge of retiring, Ferrari could be forced into a last-minute scramble for a replacement driver. Schumacher emphasized that the team isn’t oblivious to Hamilton’s behavior: “They see how Lewis reacts. They’re not pretending nothing’s wrong.”
There’s even speculation that Hamilton might not finish the season. Schumacher explained, “Once that thought of quitting is in your head, it’s hard to resist. Then it’s just over.”
Some F1 fans are skeptical, pointing to his competitive fire and legacy. Others believe Schumacher’s instincts may prove correct, especially if Ferrari continues to underperform. With more than two decades in the sport and a record-tying seven world championships, Hamilton has nothing left to prove. Whether he leaves this year or next, one thing is clear: the countdown may have already begun.
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