Hamilton Holds All the Cards with 2028 Ferrari Contract Option
Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari contract reportedly includes a 2028 option only he can activate. This gives the seven-time champion significant leverage over the team after a disappointing debut season, potentially tying Ferrari's hands for their future line-up.
Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari contract reportedly contains a player option for the 2028 season, giving the seven-time world champion complete control over his future with the team. This clause could leave the Scuderia in a difficult position, as Hamilton's debut season fell short of expectations with no Grand Prix podiums.
Why it matters:
Ferrari is making a massive investment in Hamilton, not just financially but in terms of their long-term strategy. A contract that limits the team's flexibility is a significant gamble, especially when they have a proven young star in Charles Leclerc already in the lineup. This power dynamic puts immense pressure on the team to deliver a championship-caliber car quickly, as they could be committed to a partnership that isn't yielding the desired results through 2028.
The details:
- Contract Terms: According to German outlet Bild, Hamilton's deal runs through the 2027 season, with an option for 2028 that is entirely in his hands to activate. This gives him leverage should Ferrari wish to make changes to its driver lineup.
- Hefty Price Tag: The report also details Hamilton's massive €55 million (£48 million) salary from Ferrari for 2025, part of an estimated €100 million total earnings for the year, underscoring the team's significant financial commitment.
- Disappointing Debut: Hamilton's first season with the Scuderia was a relative struggle. He failed to secure a single Grand Prix podium for the first time in his illustrious career and finished sixth in the drivers' championship, 86 points behind teammate Leclerc.
What's next:
The upcoming 2026 regulation reset represents a critical juncture for this partnership. Ferrari's ability to produce a competitive car under the new rules will be the ultimate test of this arrangement. Hamilton himself has expressed skepticism about the new regulations, warning fans they "might not like it." If the new Ferrari fails to be a front-runner, the team could find itself locked into an expensive and underperforming driver lineup for several years, significantly hampering its title ambitions.