The Formula 1 paddock is rarely a place of quiet reflection, but the conclusion of the 2025 season has brought about a period of intense soul-searching for two of the sport’s most iconic figures.

As the dust settles on a year that saw a dramatic shift in the power dynamics of the grid, new revelations regarding Lewis Hamilton’s future and a significant branding change for Max Verstappen have sent shockwaves through the racing community.

For Lewis Hamilton, the dream move to Ferrari has, thus far, been more of a nightmare. Entering the 2025 season with the weight of expectation that only a seven-time World Champion can carry, Hamilton found himself grappling with a Ferrari SF-25 that lacked the pace to challenge the front-runners.

The statistics tell a sobering story: a season with no Grand Prix podiums, three consecutive Q1 exits in the final triple-header, and a sixth-place finish in the standings—trailing his teammate Charles Leclerc by a staggering 86 points.

Naturally, these results fueled a firestorm of speculation. Critics and fans alike began to wonder if the “Goat” had finally lost his edge or if the motivation to continue at the pinnacle of motorsport had evaporated. However, veteran Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft has stepped forward to provide much-needed clarity. Speaking recently about a private conversation he held with Hamilton in Las Vegas, Croft dismissed the retirement talk entirely.

“Lewis is coming back,” Croft stated firmly. “He’s not going to retire; he’s not going to step down. He’ll be on the grid in 2026.” Croft emphasized that while the constant questioning about his pace must be “demoralizing” for a champion of Hamilton’s stature, the British driver remains a “great fighter.” The private chat suggested a driver who simply needs to rediscover his self-belief and remember that the inherent ability that secured 103 wins has not vanished overnight. The consensus remains that a refreshed Hamilton will return in 2026, determined to prove that his Ferrari chapter is far from over.

While Hamilton fights to reclaim his throne, Max Verstappen is preparing for a different kind of transition. After four years of carrying the number one as the reigning World Champion, Verstappen must vacate the prestigious digit following Lando Norris’s triumphant 2025 title campaign. While Norris has confirmed he will take up the number one for 2026, the question remained: what would Verstappen choose?

Historically, Verstappen has been synonymous with the number 33. However, it has been revealed that the Dutchman has never truly been a fan of the double-digit. His heart has always belonged to the number three—a number that has been occupied by his former teammate and friend, Daniel Ricciardo, since the permanent number system was introduced. Under FIA regulations, a driver’s number remains reserved for two seasons after they leave the sport, meaning the three was technically off-limits until the end of 2026.

In a surprising turn of events, a recent FIA rule change has allowed drivers more flexibility to change their numbers during their careers. Leveraging this new regulation and reportedly securing the blessing of Ricciardo, Verstappen has confirmed he will move to a single number three for the 2026 season. “I’ve always said it represented double happiness, but of course, I’ve already had my luck in F1,” Verstappen noted regarding his old 33. He expressed a clear preference for the simplicity of the single digit as he enters a new era of his career, no longer as the hunted, but as the hunter.

As we look toward 2026, the narratives are set. One legend is battling for his legacy in scarlet red, while another sheds his championship skin to return to his roots. The faces remain the same, but the numbers and the stakes have never been higher. One thing is certain: the drama of Formula 1 is only just beginning.