The glittering lights of Las Vegas failed to illuminate Lewis Hamilton's troubled first season with Ferrari, as a disastrous weekend at the Grand Prix has thrown his long-term future with the Scuderia into serious doubt.
A Season of Struggle and Internal Tensions
Hamilton's maiden campaign with the famous Italian team has been labelled a "disappointing nightmare" by the seven-time world champion himself. The stark reality of his predicament is highlighted by a sobering statistic: he has failed to secure a single race win or podium finish in the first 20-21 races of the season.
This challenging performance has not gone unnoticed within the team's hierarchy. Hamilton's candid assessment of his season provoked a public retort from Ferrari chairman John Elkann, who pointedly advised Formula 1 drivers to "focus on driving and talk less."
Team Principal Fred Vasseur has also disagreed with Hamilton's downbeat personal appraisal. Following a 10th-place finish in Las Vegas, Vasseur defended the team's efforts, suggesting the poor results are not solely down to "pure performance" but are exacerbated by an inability to execute a "clean weekend" and ongoing issues with "track operations."
Contract Uncertainty and a Named Successor
The on-track struggles have fuelled intense speculation about Hamilton's F1 future. Reports indicate that Ferrari are not currently planning to offer the British driver a new contract extension beyond the end of his current deal, which is set to expire in 2026. There is some speculation, however, that his existing contract may contain an option to extend until the end of 2027.
As the uncertainty grows, prominent figures in the F1 paddock are already identifying a potential successor. Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner and Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz have both publicly tipped Ferrari junior driver Oliver Bearman as the inevitable replacement for Hamilton, especially if his current form does not show a significant improvement.
Hamilton's Resolve and Concerns for the Future
Despite the mounting pressure, Hamilton has remained steadfast in his commitment to the sport. He has asserted he has "no intention" of retiring and is still fully focused on his ultimate goal of delivering a world championship to Ferrari, noting that he still has a "pretty long contract."
However, a deeply "very worrying comment" from Hamilton after the Las Vegas Grand Prix has raised further eyebrows. The veteran driver admitted he is "not looking forward" to next season and expressed significant apprehension about the new technical regulations scheduled for 2026. He pessimistically predicted that the new rules would result in cars that are "slow" and "draggy," casting a shadow over the sport's future direction.
With internal disagreements, public criticism, and a named successor waiting in the wings, the pressure is intensifying on one of F1's most decorated champions to reverse his fortunes at Maranello.
