Hamilton shoots down Ferrari exit talk: ‘I have a pretty long contract’

Lewis Hamilton isn’t sweating the gossip about his Ferrari future, the seven-time world champion slamming the brakes on rumors the Scuderia might be seeking to replace the Briton.

The Briton’s first year in red has been far from the fairytale many anticipated. Twenty races into the 2025 F1 season, and with just four races to go, Hamilton is still searching for his first podium with Ferrari.

And the shortfall has triggered inevitable chatter about his long-term place in the team.

But when asked about the speculation ahead of this weekend’s São Paulo Grand Prix, Hamilton calmly dismissed it.

“So normally when you do a contract, it’s usually the year before you start to talk about it,” he said. “I mean, I have a pretty long contract. So, I’m a little bit far from that [negotiating a new deal] right now.”

That statement alone will quiet some of the paddock noise suggesting Ferrari could move early to make way for rising stars.

Praise for Bearman – But No Threat Felt

Among the young names linked with Ferrari’s future is Oliver Bearman, the 20-year-old Ferrari Academy talent who stunned the field with a fourth-place finish for Haas in Mexico City two weeks ago.

Some have even suggested he’s being groomed to eventually take Hamilton’s seat. But the latter had nothing but praise for the rookie’s progress.

“I think it was amazing. I was so happy for him. But also, his first race, just the progress he’s been making,” Hamilton said.

“Again, a really nice lad. Great approach, very approachable, and I think he did a phenomenal job there. I think they’ve been doing a great job over the course of the year.

“They’ve obviously developed really well as well. I’m really excited to see his future.”

• Read also: Bearman urges realism amid Ferrari-Hamilton succession talk

For now, Hamilton’s focus and energy remain fixed on unlocking performance from his SF-25 and preparing for 2026 rather than worrying about 2027.

Ferrari’s results may have fallen short of expectations, but the Briton’s words made one thing clear – he’s fully committed to the project he joined to rebuild.

Rumours may come and go, but as Hamilton put it, the clock on his Ferrari adventure is nowhere near running out.

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