Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has faced significant challenges during the 2024 season while driving for Ferrari, as his teammate Charles Leclerc continues to deliver strong results. The mounting difficulties and Hamilton’s recent remarks have sparked renewed retirement speculation, with former F1 team principal Guenther Steiner publicly suggesting that there may be little reason to continue if the struggles persist.
Lewis Hamilton’s Difficult Transition to Ferrari and the SF25
Lewis Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari after the 2024 campaign was widely seen as a bold attempt to secure an eighth world title, but adaptation problems with Ferrari’s SF25 car have hampered his efforts. Since the introduction of the new ground-effect regulations this season, Hamilton has struggled to find pace and consistency in his new machinery.
In recent races, the disparity between Hamilton and his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc has been stark. Leclerc has consistently qualified and raced near the front, including securing pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Hamilton failed to reach the critical Q3 qualifying session at the same event and finished the race outside the points, completing the race a lap behind the leaders.
After the qualifying session in Hungary, Hamilton described his own performance as “useless,” underscoring his frustration with his ongoing difficulties.
Guenther Steiner Questions Hamilton’s Confidence and Future in F1
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner weighed in on Hamilton’s current season struggle and suggested that the Briton might need to reconsider his future in the sport if his lack of confidence continues. Steiner remarked,
“He has lost his self-confidence. If you no longer believe in yourself, you cannot perform.”
“When reality doesn’t live up to expectations, you lose confidence in yourself. But if you no longer enjoy it, if you realise you’re just struggling, then there’s no point. Then it’s better to say: I tried, it didn’t work, and I’m quitting,” added Steiner. —Guenther Steiner, Former Haas Team Principal
These comments have provoked a strong reaction from fans and followers of the sport, many defending Hamilton’s resilience and legacy. One fan noted,
“He is a 7 time world champion. He didn’t become that way because of quitting.” —Fan
Others criticized Steiner’s remarks directly, with responses such as,
“Not the talk of a winner.” —Fan
“Never giving up is like, the number 1 first requirement of any athlete lmfao,” —Fan
Some comments also referenced Steiner’s own struggles during his leadership at Haas, questioning his authority to comment on Hamilton’s career decisions.
“says a guy who was kicked out from haas after so many failures and he wasn’t leaving himself” —Fan
“Is that what Gunther did??” —Fan
“Lewis a quitter ? Strange comment. And Steiner has achieved what……” —Fan
The Role of the 2026 Regulation Changes in Hamilton’s Prospects
Looking ahead, F1 is set to introduce major technical changes in 2026 that will affect chassis design, power units, and overall car dynamics. Guenther Steiner believes these regulation changes will be critical for Hamilton’s potential to rebound or decide to retire. He stated,
“With the new ground-effect cars. Lewis struggled from the start. And in 2026 there will be new cars, new engines and no one knows who will be strong then. Maybe he says, ‘I’ll take that with me [into 2026]’. But if that doesn’t work either, then it’s over.” —Guenther Steiner, Former Haas Team Principal
Currently, Hamilton trails Charles Leclerc by more than 40 points in the championship standings, underscoring the uphill battle the seven-time champion faces this year.
As Hamilton’s 2024 campaign continues to unfold, the speculation around his future is likely to grow, with the 2026 season viewed as a pivotal moment for the veteran driver. Whether he can adapt to upcoming changes and return to championship-winning form remains uncertain, but fans and experts alike will closely watch how the remainder of this challenging year impacts his career decisions.