Rosberg: Hamilton 'can't quit' Ferrari, pins hopes on 2026 reset

Nico Rosberg says Lewis Hamilton is in an "incredibly hard" position after a painful first season at Ferrari, but argues the seven-time champion cannot quit and must instead pin his hopes on F1's major 2026 rules reset to revive his fortunes.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari, one of the most anticipated driver transfers in F1 history, has so far yielded his first podium-less season in a 19-year career. With a multi-year contract and immense pressure, walking away is not a viable option. The 2026 regulatory overhaul represents a critical reset button, not just for Ferrari's competitiveness but potentially for Hamilton's ability to challenge at the front again before retirement.

The details:

• Rosberg, Hamilton's former teammate and rival, described the 2025 season as "painful" and "horrible" for the Briton, stating it's "not a worthy end to the incredible legacy."
• He emphasized Hamilton is "stuck because he can't quit," suggesting an early exit would result in a "big loss of face."
• The core issue has been car performance and driver comfort. Hamilton has publicly criticized the current generation of ground-effect cars, and Rosberg noted he "hasn't felt comfortable this year" in the Ferrari.
• A significant qualifying deficit has been a recurring problem. Hamilton suffered a 19-5 defeat to teammate Charles Leclerc in qualifying sessions this season, following a similar deficit to George Russell at Mercedes in 2024.

The big picture:

The 2022-2025 regulatory era proved challenging for Hamilton. He added only two wins and one pole position in four seasons, finishing behind his teammate in the championship three times. Ferrari's failure to win a race in 2025 and slide to fourth in the constructors' standings compounded the difficulty. The 2026 rules change offers a clean slate for all teams, potentially disrupting the existing competitive order and giving Ferrari a chance to build a car that suits Hamilton's driving style.

What's next:

Rosberg asserts Hamilton "has to continue" with the Ferrari project, viewing the 2026 reset as his "huge hope."

• The new regulations could deliver a car in which Hamilton feels "much more comfortable" and can rediscover his "old magic" in qualifying.
• The performance of the 2026 Ferrari, designated as Project 678, will be the ultimate test. It represents the first car fully developed under new chassis director Loic Serra and a crucial opportunity for the team to return to winning ways.
• Hamilton's legacy and the final chapter of his career now hinge on this upcoming regulatory cycle and Ferrari's ability to provide him with a competitive package.