Hamilton dismisses the latest retirement rumors.
Lewis Hamilton's challenging season reached a new low in Abu Dhabi, yet the seven-time world champion asserts that he is not planning to leave Formula 1. Hamilton crashed during FP3, visibly frustrating the Ferrari team, and then faced his third consecutive exit in Q1, appearing notably devastated. "I don’t want to talk about it," he stated to Sky Italia. "There’s no point in discussing it; I don’t want to explain myself. I feel no happiness at all; I’m very angry and lack the words to express my feelings, just a lot of anger. The team deserved better, that much is certain."
His struggles have amplified speculation about an imminent retirement, rumors that have been circulating throughout the season as Hamilton's performance has declined. Ralf Schumacher fueled these speculations further on Sky Deutschland on Saturday, suggesting that Ferrari should consider replacing Hamilton with Oliver Bearman for the new 2026 season. "Lewis needs to reflect on himself - he has no one else to blame," he remarked. "He must confront this situation. The season ends for him just as it has been all along. It's a tough situation for him."
Hamilton's former teammate, Nico Rosberg, noted that the driver appears to be stuck in a mental cycle. "When you find yourself in a situation where you can’t handle it, you try to push the car harder - and then it only deteriorates," Rosberg said. "That reflects the typical negative cycle he’s experiencing."
Hamilton further fueled retirement speculation when he declined to comment on 2026, stating: "Currently, I’m not looking that far into the future." However, he later firmly denied the retirement rumors when directly asked, asserting: "That’s completely out of the question. It’s not even a topic of discussion." Regarding what led to his struggles in Abu Dhabi - at a track where he has previously won five times - Hamilton acknowledged that yielding his car to Arthur Leclerc in FP1 didn’t aid his performance. "That certainly wasn’t helpful, but it’s the same for everyone," he mentioned.
Other articles
These 1,000-HP electric vehicle motors serve the dual purpose of functioning as rear brakes.
YASA is experimenting with in-wheel axial flux motors that generate significant power, decrease overall weight, and remove the necessity for large rear brakes.
Marko supports the advancement of 'mature' teenager Lindblad.
Formula 1 | Helmut Marko has clarified the reasons behind the swift move to secure an F1 seat for 18-year-old Arvid Lindblad by 2026, despite a mixed mid-season performance in Formula 2. (…)
Norris is named F1 World Champion while Verstappen secures victory in Abu Dhabi.
Formula 1 | Lando Norris clinched the 2025 FIA Formula One World Drivers' Championship title by securing third place in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, surpassing the race winner to (…)
Verstappen is expected to 'take it easy' for an improbable championship.
Formula 1 | The stage is perfectly set for the most thrilling three-way title showdown in years in Abu Dhabi - Max Verstappen occupies the pole position, while Lando Norris (…)
Alonso suggests the presence of 'favourites' while Max seeks out supporters.
Formula 1 | Fernando Alonso has openly acknowledged that he has preferred drivers on the track, adding an extra layer of excitement to a title showdown in which Max Verstappen may require supportive cars (…)
Newey is adamant that he can manage the team leader position.
Formula 1 | Adrian Newey's growing visibility at Aston Martin - first in Qatar and now in Abu Dhabi - is being interpreted as the strongest indication yet that he (...)
Hamilton dismisses the latest retirement rumors.
Formula 1 | Lewis Hamilton's disastrous season reached a new low point in Abu Dhabi, yet the seven-time world champion is adamant that he won't be quitting anytime soon.