Hamilton Rejects Retirement Talk, Citing 'Worst Designed' F1 Cars and New 2026 Regulations

Lewis Hamilton has emphatically dismissed suggestions of retirement, stating he is "excited for a new generation of car" after what he describes as four years of driving the "worst" cars of his career. Despite a challenging winless season, the Mercedes driver, set to join Ferrari in 2025, looks forward to the 2026 regulations.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari and his future in F1 have been hot topics, especially as he nears the end of a difficult season with Mercedes. His firm stance against retirement and his anticipation for the 2026 car designs signal his continued commitment to the sport and a desire to return to top form with his new team. This commitment could extend his illustrious career well into his 40s, potentially adding more chapters to his legacy.

The details:

• Contract and Future: Hamilton is contracted with Ferrari for the 2026 F1 season and holds an option for 2027, indicating his long-term plans are set despite ongoing speculation.
• Challenging Season: The seven-time World Champion is experiencing one of his toughest seasons, potentially his first without a podium finish in 19 years on the grid. He sits P6 in the Drivers' standings, 78 points behind teammate George Russell, and could even lose P7 to Mercedes replacement Kimi Antonelli.
• Performance Struggles: Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher suggested Hamilton might consider retirement due to perceived struggles with performance. Schumacher noted Hamilton's frustration with not being fast enough and lacking harmony and feel in the current cars, suggesting it might be "time to stop."
• Hamilton's Rebuttal: Hamilton firmly rejected these suggestions, expressing excitement for the 2026 car regulations. He described the current generation of ground-effect cars as the "worst-designed" he remembers, citing issues like bouncing, stiffness, and poor overtaking opportunities.
• 2026 Regulations: The upcoming 2026 season will introduce all-new cars, moving away from the current ground-effect generation to adopt active aerodynamics. This shift is a key factor in Hamilton's renewed enthusiasm.

What's next:

Hamilton's focus is clearly on the future, particularly the significant regulation changes coming in 2026. His enthusiasm for the new car generation, combined with his move to Ferrari, sets the stage for a potential resurgence in his career. If the new regulations bring about a more enjoyable and competitive car design, Hamilton could well prove his critics wrong and extend his stay at the pinnacle of Formula 1, aiming to add more wins and potentially another title to his name.