“Hopefully I’ll Be Back”: Lewis Hamilton Sparks Retirement Rumors After Ferrari Struggles in Hungary

The Formula 1 paddock is buzzing with uncertainty after Lewis Hamilton delivered a shockingly downbeat response following his 12th place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix, casting fresh doubts over his future in the sport. The seven-time world champion, who joined Ferrari this season, described both his qualifying and race performance as “absolutely useless,” igniting speculation that his stint with the Scuderia—and perhaps his F1 career—may be nearing an abrupt conclusion.

Lewis Hamilton’s lackluster weekend in Budapest was overshadowed by McLaren’s Lando Norris, who secured a commanding victory. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton struggled to find pace, qualifying 12th and finishing the race in the same position, prompting him to suggest Ferrari should “find another driver.”

When pressed post Hungarian Grand Prix about his critical comments, Lewis Hamilton was notably curt, saying, “When you have a feeling, you have a feeling. There is a lot going on in the background that is not great.” His cryptic remarks left fans and analysts alike wondering if the issues were personal or professional, but he did reaffirm his passion for racing: “No, I still love it. I still love the team.”

However, Lewis Hamilton’s typically composed post-race demeanor was absent. He provided short, clipped answers and, when asked why, simply stated, “I have got nothing else to say.” With F1’s summer break now underway, the next round at Zandvoort looms on August 31, but Lewis Hamilton’s presence there isn’t a certainty. “Hopefully, I will be back, yeah,” he said when questioned about his participation.

Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur attempted to play down the speculation, emphasizing that Lewis Hamilton’s frustration was a product of his relentless drive for perfection. “He’s demanding. But that’s why he’s a seven-time world champion,” Fred Vasseur said. “I don’t need to motivate him. He’s frustrated, but not demotivated. He will come back.”

 

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Lewis Hamilton’s former Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also weighed in, attributing Hamilton’s emotional candor to his “heart on his sleeve” nature. “It was very raw what he said [on Saturday],” Toto Wolff noted. “Lewis has unfinished business in Formula One. You ask me if he still has it? He definitely has it.”

Despite Toto Wolff’s confidence, the whispers around Lewis Hamilton in the paddock are growing louder. Ferrari’s inability to deliver a competitive car, combined with Lewis Hamilton’s evident disenchantment, has ignited questions about whether the British driver will see out his current contract or walk away early.

With the summer break offering Hamilton time for reflection, fans, rivals, and Ferrari executives will be watching closely to see if the F1 legend reignites his fire—or signals a seismic shift in the sport’s driver lineup.