Ferrari Reportedly Unlikely to Extend Lewis Hamilton’s Contract Beyond 2026

Ferrari are reportedly not planning to extend Lewis Hamilton’s contract beyond its current expiry date at the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season, sparking speculation about the seven-time world champion’s long-term future with the team.

Hamilton joined Ferrari at the start of the 2025 season after leaving Mercedes, but according to ESPN, senior paddock sources claim the Italian team have no current intention of offering him a new deal once his existing contract runs out.

If true, the decision would mean Hamilton’s Ferrari stint could end after just two seasons. He will be 42 years old at the start of the 2027 campaign an age at which no driver has won a Formula 1 race since Jack Brabham triumphed in South Africa in 1970.

Bearman Waiting in the Wings

Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman is being tipped as a potential successor. The 20-year-old academy driver made his Formula 1 debut in 2024 when he stood in for Carlos Sainz, impressing the team with his calmness and pace.

Hamilton’s first year in red has been difficult. After 20 races in 2025, he remains without a podium finish for Ferrari, struggling to adapt to the car’s handling characteristics. His lowest point came at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he failed to score points at a circuit that has traditionally been one of his strongest.

Meanwhile, teammate Charles Leclerc whose own contract also expires at the end of 2026 leads Ferrari’s internal standings by 64 points with four races remaining this season.

Contract Details and Future Options

When Hamilton signed with Ferrari in February 2024, the team described the deal as “multi-year” but did not specify its exact length. Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport in August suggested Hamilton’s £50 million-per-year contract includes an option to extend through 2027, though it remains unclear whether either party intends to trigger that clause.

Despite his struggles, Hamilton has publicly stated that he has “no intention” of retiring anytime soon. Speaking to L’Équipe last month, he reaffirmed his desire to bring success to Ferrari and capture an eighth world title.

“I still have the fire,” Hamilton said. “I came here to win and to help bring Ferrari back to the top. That hasn’t changed.”

With both Ferrari drivers’ contracts set to expire at the same time, 2026 could mark a major turning point for the Scuderia one that may see the team usher in a new generation of talent as Formula 1 enters its next era.

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