Lewis Hamilton finds out Ferrari’s view on making new contract offer after £50m agreement

Lewis Hamilton joined Ferrari from Mercedes ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season, but the British driver has struggled to make an impact in his first year with the Scuderia

Ferrari are reportedly not planning to extend Lewis Hamilton’s contract beyond its end date in 2026, sparking speculation about the future of the British racing driver. Hamilton made the switch to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season after 12 incredible years at Mercedes.

However, with his contract set to expire next year, uncertainty over his and Charles Leclerc’s futures has raised questions about their positions. ESPN reports that senior figures in the paddock have claimed that the seven-time world champion will not be offered a new contract by Ferrari, given his struggles to impress.

Ferrari could well change their position further down the line, but for now, Hamilton’s current contract – believed to be worth £ 50 million a year – could be his last with the Prancing Horse.

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Hamilton will be 42 at the start of the 2027 season, an age at which no driver has won an F1 race since Jack Brabham in South Africa in 1970. Young talent Oliver Bearman is one driver who could potentially replace Hamilton at Ferrari after making his F1 debut last year when he stepped in for Carlos Sainz.

The Brit has had a hugely disappointing first season with Ferrari in F1 2025 and is currently without a podium finish for his new team after 20 races. The Hungarian Grand Prix in August was a particular low point as he failed to score any points for the first time all season despite it being one of his best tracks historically, reports the Express.

Leclerc, whose contract also ends in 2026, is currently leading the way for the Scuderia by 64 points with four races left in 2025. There has, however, also been speculation about Leclerc’s future in recent weeks, with some reports in Italy claiming the F1 star and his agent, Nicolas Todt, are seriously considering a move elsewhere after 2026, when his deal expires.

Speculation about Leclerc’s future remains mere speculation, and a decision on what’s next for him will likely hinge on how competitive Ferrari are under the new regulations coming into force next year.

ESPN’s report follows claims from Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport in August that Hamilton’s £50million-per-year deal includes an option for him to extend his tenure until the end of 2027. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether the 40-year-old would wish to continue beyond 2026.

Last month, he informed L’Equipe that he had “no intention” of retiring despite his difficulties in 2025. Hamilton also disclosed his eagerness to deliver triumph to Ferrari and secure the world championship.

Hamilton currently sits sixth in the drivers’ championship, one place behind Leclerc. However, he trails the Monégasque by 64 points and a massive 211 behind leader Lando Norris. There are four more races left this season, starting in Sao Paulo on November 9. Future races in Las Vegas, Lusail and Yas Marina will follow.

The Brit will be hoping for better results after a 10-second time penalty wrecked his race last time out in Mexico City, where he finished eighth, behind both Mercedes drivers.

That result meant he has still not recorded a top-three finish since joining Ferrari and now faces finishing his first-ever season in F1 without a podium.