YOUR ADS HERE (BLOG)
390W X 140H (px)

Lewis Hamilton: Retirement Rumors, Ferrari Struggles, and the $87 Million Contract

Jomanda Heng
Aug 13
2 min read

Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, has been the subject of intense retirement speculation following a turbulent debut season with Ferrari. While critics and former F1 figures question his future, the financial and competitive stakes tell a different story.

The Spark: Hungary GP Fallout

Hamilton’s comments after the Hungarian Grand Prix lit the fuse. Following a P12 finish, he described himself as “useless” and even hinted Ferrari should replace him. The candor shocked fans and fueled media speculation.

Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone openly suggested Hamilton should retire to protect his legacy, while ex-driver Johnny Herbert warned that constant defeats to teammate Charles Leclerc might push him out of the sport. On the other side, Toto Wolff, his former Mercedes boss, insists Hamilton has “unfinished business” and still has the drive to win an unprecedented eighth title.

Contract Demands: More Than Just the Driving Seat

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari wasn’t just about the racing—it was a historic payday. Reports reveal he initially rejected a two-year offer worth just over $50 million per year. Instead, he secured a blockbuster deal valued at over $87 million for 2025 alone.

Notably, around $22 million of that sum goes directly to his foundation, Mission 44, reflecting Hamilton’s commitment to philanthropy. The deal also includes a $272 million investment fund in partnership with Ferrari’s parent company, Exor, and appointing Hamilton as ambassador.

Estimates place his total annual earnings, including endorsements and prize money, at roughly $107 million, solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

The Truth: Hamilton Isn’t Retiring—Yet

Despite the noise, Hamilton has not indicated that retirement is imminent. A teased “announcement” in early August turned out to be the launch of a new non-alcoholic spirit from his brand Almave, not a career exit.

Sources close to the driver insist he remains focused on adapting to the SF-25 and is determined to challenge for wins before the new 2026 regulations take effect.

Hamilton’s Ferrari start may be rocky, but his motivation to claim an eighth championship remains. Whether redemption comes in 2025 or beyond, his record-breaking deal and competitive fire suggest that Formula 1 hasn’t seen the last of Lewis Hamilton at his best.

Retirement rumours may dominate the headlines, but Hamilton’s actions—and his record-breaking Ferrari contract—point to a man still deeply invested in the sport. His legacy is already secure, but for Hamilton, the story isn’t over until that elusive eighth world title is his.

References