The end of the 2025 Formula 1 season marked one of the most difficult stretches in the career of Lewis Hamilton.
The British legend closed the year with three consecutive Q1 eliminations and six straight qualifying sessions without advancing, a slump almost unheard of for a driver who once dominated the sport.
Inside the Formula 1 paddock, whispers began to grow louder:
Could Hamilton walk away from Scuderia Ferrari before the end of the 2026 season?
A Difficult End to 2025
Hamilton managed just 14 points across the final five race weekends, even with two Sprint races offering extra opportunities.
According to reports from paddock insiders cited by The Telegraph, the seven-time champion appeared visibly frustrated and increasingly withdrawn during the final races.
His mood was described as “miserable”, a stark contrast to the energetic personality that defined his championship years.
Some figures within Formula 1 even questioned whether Hamilton would complete the 2026 campaign.
Serious Doubts Inside the Paddock
At the height of the uncertainty, insiders speculated that Hamilton might leave Ferrari mid-season if the team failed to produce a competitive car.
Some wondered if he would even make it to the Monaco Grand Prix, which traditionally begins the European leg of the championship.
Others believed the summer break could become a natural exit point.
Hamilton’s current Ferrari contract reportedly runs until the end of 2026, with a possible option extending into 2027.
But at 41 years old, and after a frustrating campaign, the fear was that the most successful driver in Formula 1 history might simply decide he had had enough.
Ferrari’s Winter Changes the Narrative
However, the story began to shift dramatically after winter testing.
Hamilton spent months working closely with Ferrari engineers on the development of the new SF-26, claiming the car now carries his “DNA” in its design.
The changes appear to suit his aggressive braking style far better than the difficult SF-25, which struggled throughout 2025.
During testing in Bahrain, analysts noticed something different.
Sky Sports commentator Anthony Davidson observed that Hamilton finally looked “at home” in the Ferrari cockpit.
A relaxed and confident Hamilton is often a dangerous competitor.
Predictions Still Favor Charles Leclerc
Despite Hamilton’s improved outlook, many analysts still see Charles Leclerc as the stronger contender at Ferrari heading into the new season.
Former F1 driver and commentator Martin Brundle predicted that Leclerc could win the opening race of the season in Australia — while Hamilton might miss the podium entirely.
Such a prediction would have been almost unimaginable just a few years ago when Hamilton was the driver everyone expected to dominate whenever given competitive machinery.
A New Season, A New Narrative
Interestingly, the mood surrounding Hamilton has shifted quickly.
What once looked like “retirement watch” is now being discussed as a potential title comeback story.
Hamilton reportedly spent 14 months in Ferrari’s simulator, helping shape the development of the new car.
Early testing performance suggests the SF-26 could finally provide the platform he needs to fight at the front again.
If Ferrari delivers a car capable of winning races, Hamilton could once again challenge for history.
But if the car falls short, the pressure at Maranello — already one of the most intense environments in motorsport — may push the veteran champion toward a difficult decision.
The Season Begins in Melbourne
The real test will arrive when the lights go out at the Australian Grand Prix.
If Ferrari’s upgrades — including innovative aerodynamic concepts and improved race-start performance — translate into early victories, Hamilton’s difficult 2025 season may soon be forgotten.
But if the SF-26 struggles, the rumors of a mid-season exit could return quickly.
One thing is certain:
The most decorated driver in Formula 1 history is entering one of the most important seasons of his career.
And the entire racing world will be watching.