F1 commentator Martin Brundle has warned that Lewis Hamilton’s “efficiency and fame” have been broken by his nightmarish keep at Ferrari.
Hamilton had a disastrous first 12 months with Ferrari, failing to complete on the rostrum in any of the 24 races he competed in with the workforce.
The seven-time world champion additionally set an undesirable file for consecutive Q1 losses on the finish of the 12 months.
Ferrari have did not ship a race-winning automotive, even within the palms of Charles Leclerc, however Hamilton might be hoping the brand new guidelines for 2026 will play to his strengths even additional.
Inevitably, Hamilton’s poor type and post-session resignation interview sparked debate about his future in F1.
Hamilton might be 41 when the brand new season begins in 2026, making him the second-oldest driver on the grid.
Hamilton is arguably probably the most profitable driver within the historical past of the game by way of race wins and can have the ability to end the race together with his head held excessive.
Hamilton’s motivation comes from the eighth title he misplaced in 2021.
He additionally stays adamant that he can lead Ferrari to its first drivers’ title since 2007.
Will Hamilton retire?
Hamilton’s poor efficiency on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix sparked an argument between Brundle and Nico Rosberg.
Rosberg, Hamilton’s childhood pal and former championship-winning teammate, requested Brundle if he thought Hamilton may retire by 2026.
Rosberg instructed Sky Sports activities: “It’s totally powerful. So, truly, Martin, do you assume he would possibly name it a day and retire from this nice profession?”
Brundle replied: “The issue is that this does not enhance his efficiency or his fame.
“However I believe he’ll wait and see if Ferrari is in form for 2026, see how they’re going, see if they’re having fun with themselves. I believe if we had requested that query a 12 months from now, when he had a tough season, I’d be very shocked if he switched off within the winter. What do you assume?”
Rosberg continued: “I believe he has to maintain going as a result of he is stopped. That is not cool.
“He has simply began the Ferrari mission and I do not assume it will work to surrender in a way after only one season.
“So he has to proceed and check out once more. Hopefully he feels comfy and possibly subsequent 12 months’s automotive might be a very good automotive too, as a result of this 12 months’s automotive just isn’t nice.”
Hamilton’s focus shortly shifted to 2026, collaborating in Tuesday’s post-season Abu Dhabi Check.
He shared driving duties with Ferrari teammate Leclerc on the Yas Marina circuit.
They’re scheduled to start pre-season testing in January with a shakedown occasion in Barcelona earlier than returning to motion.
