Lewis Hamilton arrived at Ferrari carrying the weight of seven world titles and a legacy few drivers in Formula 1’s history could match. But after a bruising first season in red – one without a single podium –are the foundations of that legacy starting to crack?
According to Martin Brundle, the answer might be uncomfortably close to “yes.”
Hamilton’s debut year at Maranello delivered neither climbs onto the rostrum nor any sense of momentum. Instead, it produced a streak of Q1 exits, a car that never looked capable of winning – even in Charles Leclerc’s capable hands – and a growing debate about whether the 40-year-old’s final chapter is being written with the wrong pen.
With whispers of retirement swirling and 2026 looming, the question hangs over the sport: what now for Formula 1’s most decorated driver?
The discussion intensified after another muted outing in Abu Dhabi, prompting Nico Rosberg to put Brundle on the spot live on Sky F1 in Yas Marina.
“It’s horribly tough. And that’s why, actually, Martin, do you think he might call it a day on this incredible career and retire?” Rosberg asked.
Brundle didn’t hesitate. “The trouble is that his stats and his reputation are not being enhanced with this.
“But I would have thought he’ll wait and see if Ferrari get it together for 2026, see how he’s going, see how they’re going, if he’s enjoying it.
“I think if we were asking that question a year from now, when he’s had a difficult season. I would be very surprised if he just switches it off in the winter. What do you think?”
Hamilton’s former Mercedes teammate was firm in his response.
“I think he has to continue, because if he’s stopping, that’s not cool,” the German said. “He only just started this Ferrari project, and to give up in a way, after only one season, I think that doesn’t work.
“So, he has to continue and give it another shot and hope that maybe he feels comfortable and that next year’s car, and that maybe that car is also a good car, because this year’s car is not great.”
For now, Hamilton appears committed to the long game. He returned to the cockpit for the post-season test at Yas Marina on Tuesday, sharing duties with Leclerc as Ferrari begins its push toward F1’s 2026 reset.
But the bigger question remains: will Ferrari’s new era revive Hamilton’s pursuit of an eighth crown – or confirm that the twilight of his career has quietly settled in?
Read also: Hamilton signs off with more tense radio static with Adami
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