Lewis Hamilton was brought to Maranello this year amidst much fanfare, but he failed to live up to the sky-high expectations. In the less competitive SF-25, he could only manage a fourth-place start, and during the last triple-header, he was even eliminated in Q1 three times in a row. Despite the significant damage to his reputation, quitting is not an option, argue former drivers Martin Brundle and Nico Rosberg.
After one year at Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton is one impressive statistic poorer: until this season, the British star had at least one podium finish in each of his Formula 1 years. He couldn’t achieve that at Scuderia, barring a single sprint victory. In the hands of teammate Charles Leclerc, the SF-25 was good for seven podium finishes, although the Monegasque also couldn’t secure any wins. Both drivers are now looking ahead to 2026 and the new technical regulations.
‘Quitting is not an option’
Lewis Hamilton’s slump in form – especially in the last Grands Prix – has sparked a debate about his future in Formula 1. His defeated tone in the many interviews in the paddock also raised questions about his motivation. Is the 40-year-old star nearing retirement? Martin Brundle and Nico Rosberg discussed this issue after the GP of Abu Dhabi. Rosberg, a childhood friend and former teammate of Lewis Hamilton, finds it a difficult situation. “He’s had a really tough time,” said the German on Sky Sports. “But does that mean he should end this incredible career?”
“The problem is that he is suffering reputational damage,” responded Brundle. “But I think he’s going to wait and see how Ferrari is doing in 2026; what the team is going to do and whether he’s still enjoying it.” Rosberg continued: “I think he should continue, because quitting is not an option right now. He’s just started this Ferrari project, and to give up after just one season, that doesn’t work. So he needs to persevere and give it another chance, hoping he feels better next year. And maybe he just needs a good car, because this year’s car was certainly not great.”
