Lewis Hamilton dismisses retirement talk from Rosberg and others: 'They're not on my level'

Lewis Hamilton has bluntly dismissed suggestions from former rivals like Nico Rosberg about his potential retirement after a challenging first season with Ferrari, stating they are "not even on my level." The seven-time champion pointed to his enduring "love for racing" as the reason he will continue into the 2026 season.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari was one of the biggest stories in modern F1, carrying the weight of immense expectation. His difficult 2025 season, marked by a lack of grand prix podiums, has led to public speculation about his future from prominent figures in the sport. His sharp retort underscores the pressure he faces and his determination to prove his critics wrong, setting the stage for a pivotal 2026 campaign.

The details:

• Hamilton's debut Ferrari season concluded without a single grand prix podium, a first in his storied career, though he did secure a Sprint race win in China.
• He finished the 2025 championship 86 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc, highlighting his struggles to adapt.
• This performance sparked a wave of retirement speculation from former drivers analyzing his situation.
• Nico Rosberg's Take: Hamilton's 2016 title rival suggested retiring now would be a "loss of face" after taking on the Ferrari project, but also warned the struggles are "putting a little scratch on his legacy."
• Other Voices: Ralf Schumacher argued Hamilton "needs to let go" for Ferrari's 2026 good, while Martin Brundle was more skeptical of an imminent retirement, suggesting Hamilton would likely wait to see if Ferrari improves.
• When informed of these comments, Hamilton's response was unequivocal: "None of them have done what I’ve done. They’re not even on my level."

Looking ahead:

Hamilton plans a complete mental reset over the winter, joking his phone is "going in the freaking bin," but his motivation remains intact. He cites an "amazing support" system and a persistent "dream" he still holds as the fuel to continue. All eyes will now be on whether Ferrari can provide him with a car capable of reviving his championship challenge in 2026, turning this current narrative of doubt into one of resurgence.