However, Lewis Hamilton is breaking records in Formula 1 with seven world championships, 105 race victories, and 210 podium finishes. Nevertheless, at the age of 41, the most successful driver in the history of Formula 1 is likely to be forced into retirement. Hamilton’s collaboration with Ferrari in 2025 was intended to help him win his eighth world championship. Nonetheless, the collaboration has yielded little success, and Hamilton is yet to score his first win in a Ferrari race car. On the other hand, teammate Charles Leclerc has been ahead of Hamilton on several occasions. Ferrari has fallen behind its competitors, and young drivers have become Hamilton’s successors. Therefore, the discussion about Hamilton’s career in Formula 1 has come back into play.
Lewis Hamilton is among the top personalities in the automobile racing world. Additionally, Hamilton is determined to continue competing in Formula 1. In any case, Hamilton is expected to retire soon because Ferrari has not met its goals. At present, Hamilton races in Scuderia Ferrari.
Ecclestone doesn’t hold back: “He should stop now”
According to the former Formula 1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone, there was nothing left for Hamilton to prove. Hamilton had seven world championship titles, and therefore, according to Ecclestone, he should quit and not keep driving without competing. Ecclestone felt that Hamilton’s career was at its peak and there was no need to risk himself anymore since he could not consistently win.
Bernie Ecclestone felt that Ferrari should start preparing for the future. According to him, the names of Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto stood out because they were among the upcoming young stars in F1 racing.
As Ecclestone put it: “He would be fooling himself if he continued. He should stop now.”
Ralf Schumacher says Hamilton and Alonso should “give young people a chance”
Ralf Schumacher, a former Grand Prix winner, shares the same opinion. While he thinks that Hamilton has made significant improvements in 2026, he still does not see him beating Charles Leclerc throughout the season. Schumacher also compared Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, and stated that these two veterans have to step aside and give their places to youngsters.
Schumacher’s choice is Oliver Bearman – a Ferrari academy driver and current member of Haas F1 Team. This young Briton managed to convince Schumacher that he could compete with Leclerc for Ferrari.
According to Ralf Schumacher, “Hamilton and Alonso have had a wonderful time in Formula 1. But now it’s time for both of them to vacate their seats at the end of the year and give young people a chance.”
