The cat is out of the bag, and rumors and speculation are flying in the British press. The future of Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1 is more up in the air than ever, and this has opened up a range of possibilities for driver changes that could have a domino effect on all F1 teams. If the Englishman were to leave Ferrari at the end of the season, there would be a seat available at one of the most coveted teams in the world of motor racing.
Hamilton and his future at Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton could be considering retirement at the end of this season. The British driver has been going through an ordeal since he arrived at Ferrari last winter and could be considering saying goodbye to F1. This is according to the British press, which is not making any claims, but is raising this possibility as a real scenario.
The truth is that the driver himself has appeared downcast in recent races, even stating that he felt “useless” at the wheel of the SF-25 and that the team should consider looking for another driver. His year is far from what was expected: the seven-time world champion arrived at Ferrari with the intention of fighting for his eighth world title and ending the Scuderia’s worst streak in its history in terms of world titles. Not only did he arrive with the label of being the most successful driver in the sport, he also joined a team that finished 2024 ahead of McLaren in the last few races, with clear aspirations for the title in 2025.
The truth is that none of that has happened, quite the contrary, and while it is true that Leclerc’s poor results at the start of the season could excuse him, the Monegasque is already achieving the minimum results expected of Ferrari, well above a British driver who is powerless in the face of his performance.
What if Hamilton leaves Ferrari?
Hamilton’s departure would be a bombshell in F1 that could have a domino effect affecting many F1 teams, as one of the most sought-after drivers in the paddock would be left without a seat. It is difficult to venture who could take over, but there are several options available.
- Max Verstappen: It seems unlikely after closing the door on Mercedes in 2026 and confirming that he will remain at Red Bull, but the temptation to wear red could blow everything up. If this move were to happen, another seat would become available at Red Bull, which could lead to more exceptional moves.
- George Russell: His future at Mercedes seems assured following Verstappen’s non-arrival. But the fear of renewing for just one year and losing his seat the following year could be decisive in his decision to try on the Ferrari overalls in 2026.
- Carlos Sainz: He left for Williams precisely because of Hamilton’s arrival, but he never closed the door. He left with honors, loved by the team, and hinting that he would be willing to return. He seems committed to Williams, but poor results and doubts about 2026 could bring him back to the place he perhaps should never have left.
- Norris or Piastri: The two are battling it out for the drivers’ world championship, and whoever loses (and why not the winner?) could seek a new adventure at Scuderia under the new regulations. Both driversnor meet Ferrari’s requirements and would be delighted to sign for the Italian team.
A domino effect
Any of these moves could trigger a large-scale domino effect. There could be a seat available at Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren, the dominant teams in recent years in F1. The Williams seat is the least attractive of all, but it is living history in the sport, and they have put all their efforts into returning to strength in 2026.
Therefore, Hamilton’s possible departure, even as just a possibility, has shaken up the F1 paddock, which is on vacation but more turbulent than ever. If it happens, it could mean a radical change on the eve of a new season where everything changes and all teams, in theory, start from scratch to fight for the World Championship.