F1 News Today: Hamilton Quit Fears Issued as Ferrari Star Reveals Unexpected New Role
In a dramatic turn of events this Formula 1 season, Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has raised eyebrows and sparked concerns as the seven-time world champion struggles to find his footing at the Italian team. His challenging start has led to speculation about his future, with some insiders questioning whether the British driver might retire sooner than expected.
Hamilton left Mercedes after over a decade of dominance, aiming to write a new chapter with Ferrari. However, his early performances with the Scuderia have been underwhelming. So far, Hamilton’s best finish has been a modest fifth place in Bahrain, while teammate Charles Leclerc has consistently delivered stronger results, including a podium finish in Saudi Arabia. In that race, Hamilton trailed more than 30 seconds behind Leclerc, prompting concerns from fans and pundits alike.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher added fuel to the fire by suggesting that Hamilton could consider early retirement if his poor form continues. “If the results don’t improve and the frustration grows, it’s not impossible that Lewis could call time on his career earlier than expected,” Schumacher stated during a recent interview.
Adding to the intrigue, Ferrari insiders have revealed that Hamilton has taken on a broader role within the team beyond just driving. The British star is reportedly playing an active part in technical debriefs, development meetings, and offering input on car setup strategies—contributing to Ferrari’s long-term vision, not just the immediate racing goals. This new role highlights Hamilton’s intent to be more than just a driver at Ferrari; he wants to be a leader in rebuilding the team’s championship credentials.
Despite the rocky start, Hamilton has remained composed and optimistic. Speaking to reporters, he acknowledged the difficulty of adapting to a new environment but reaffirmed his commitment to Ferrari. “It’s been a rollercoaster, but I knew this would be a challenge. I didn’t come here expecting immediate wins, but to be part of something long-term, something iconic,” Hamilton said.
Team principal Fred Vasseur also defended Hamilton’s performance, stressing that integration into a new team, especially one undergoing major changes, takes time. “Lewis is still settling in. He’s contributing a lot behind the scenes, and I believe he’ll soon show what he’s capable of,” Vasseur said.
The Ferrari SF-25 itself is still in development and hasn’t reached its full potential. The team hopes that with Hamilton’s expertise and leadership, they can accelerate progress and close the gap to frontrunners Red Bull and McLaren.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was not just a career shift, but a personal dream come true. “I grew up watching Ferrari dominate with Schumacher. This is a childhood dream, and I’m here to build something special,” he shared in a previous interview.
As the season moves forward, the pressure will only increase for Hamilton to perform. But with his unmatched experience, resilience, and now an unexpected expanded role within the team, fans are hoping this chapter with Ferrari could still end in glory rather than an early exit.
