Sir Lewis Hamilton faces an uncertain future in Formula 1 as Ferrari are not interested in extending his contract, according to reports.
The seven-time world champion fulfilled a life-long dream by signing for the Scuderia on a deal until 2026, with the option to extend it further, uniting the sport’s most successful driver and team.
The dream has become somewhat of nightmare however, with Hamilton struggling to adjust to life at the Italian giants and results have been less than impressive.
The Brit is yet to finish a race in the top-three and with just four grand prix left, it is likely that he will end a season without a podium for the first time in his 19-year career.
Hamilton was on course for a podium at last weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix until he was given a 10-second penalty, a decision the driver called ‘nuts’.
While Ferrari could still finish second in the constructors’ table, albeit a long way behind champions McLaren, their car has not close to delivering a win all season.
That said, Charles Leclerc has picked up seven podiums, with the Monegasque currently 64 points ahead of teammate Hamilton.
The 40-year-old’s form since controversially losing the 2021 championship to Max Verstappen has been alarming and earlier this year he even questioned his own future in F1.
And it seems the Scuderia have questions too, with ESPN reporting that Ferrari have no intention of extending Hamilton contract beyond 2026 based on his performances this year.
This does seem like a very premature decision, with the grid set to be shaken up next year due to the changing car regulations, with Hamilton and Ferrari hoping to capitalise.
‘Ferrari have a winning line-up with Hamilton and Leclerc’
Former Ferrari driver Giancarlo Fisichella believes that Hamilton and Leclerc can turnaround their fortunes next year and win the Scuderia’s first championship since 2008.
‘Lewis Hamilton is a seven-time world champion and I’m sure he still has the pace to fight for the Championship and for podiums,’ the three-time race winner told Wettbasis.com.
‘Probably next year with new regulations, everything could be mixed and Hamilton has more opportunities to get good results. If he’s got a good car, I’m sure he can fight for the victory.
‘I’m a big fan of Charles. Especially in a single lap, or qualifying sessions, he is probably top two along with Max. Charles also has a lot of race pace but unfortunately he’s been a bit unlucky this past year. He needs a good car and I hope next year he gets it.
‘Ferrari has a good driver lineup for next year. A lot of experience, a lot of pace in the qualifying sessions. Ferrari is Ferrari, so I hope the lineup proves to be a winning one next year. I still work with Ferrari and I really hope to see them be back to winning ways.’
Team principal Frederic Vasseur played a key role in convincing the Brit to leave Mercedes, though the team’s hierarchy will want to see a return on their investment after handing Hamilton a £45million-a-year salary.
Should they decide to part ways, British driver Ollie Bearman of Haas would be a top contender for the seat having come through the Ferrari academy, as would fellow rookie Gabriel Bortoleto of Sauber.
The F1 season continues next weekend in Brazil, with the title race between Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Verstappen set to go down to the wire.
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