When Lewis Hamilton left Mercedes-AMG at the end of 2024, he walked away from one of the most dominant partnerships in F1 history. Having six Drivers’ titles and eight straight Constructors Championships, it was a move that was widely unexpected and stunned the entire paddock. For many, it would likely be seen as Hamilton’s final chapter, one that would define his legacy in F1. Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel, among many other greats, are making similar moves to the Scuderia.

With just three races left on the calendar, Hamilton has yet to get his first podium with Ferrari, and he has consistently been beaten by his teammate, Charles Leclerc. With a 66-point gap between the two and Hamilton still struggling at times with the car, things don’t look to be getting much better. Although the team has been inconsistent overall, Ferrari’s strategy hasn’t helped much either. A mix of poor tyre calls, frantic radio exchanges, and the ongoing mystery of what Plan F is actually supposed to achieve has all added up to Ferrari sitting a measly fourth in the constructors.

Amid the confusion at Ferrari, Hamilton’s mid-term future remains uncertain. With a possible contract of a 2+1 deal, the 2027 option appears to be in Hamilton’s hands, with Ferrari possibly not having much of a say, regardless of on-track performance.

The question becomes, does Hamilton deserve to pick up the rumoured 2027 option, and is he still the right choice for Ferrari?

Why Ferrari might still keep Hamilton in 2027

Despite the lack of podiums, Hamilton has been on pace most weekends and usually a few tenths behind Leclerc. He’s shown flashes of his Mercedes years speed in a car unfamiliar to him. As one of the cleaner and smarter drivers on the grid, he rarely makes any unforced errors and adapts quickly to changing conditions.

2026 is around the corner, and a new set of regulations, including engine and aero changes, could give Hamilton the reset he needs. Having driven for 19 seasons and through six major regulation changes, one could argue that 2026 should be a year in which Hamilton gets back up to speed the fastest compared to his competitors.

Given Ferrari’s history of strategic struggles and poor execution, this is an area in which the seven-time champion can make a real difference. His ability to remain composed under pressure and communicate clearly is something race engineers could find valuable. Whether this be tyre life or pit windows, he can bring clarity that Ferrari often lacked in moments of hesitation or second-guessing itself.

Beyond race strategy, Hamilton brings invaluable experience in the garage. His technical feedback for engineers will be pivotal as the team works through the challenges of understanding the new 2026 car. His presence alone will be something that engineers and younger staff can lean on for better direction and stability during the development cycle. With massive off-the-track value not only through sponsorships, his leadership may be pivotal in getting Ferrari back up to the top. Something fans have long been waiting for.

Why Ferrari may be better off looking ahead

Hamilton being 42 in 2027 raises the question: Does Ferrari look to other drivers, including Oliver Bearman, among many other talented rookies? Although one could make the argument that Alonso has stretched his time in F1, can Hamilton do the same in a team which expects to win?

The challenge for Ferrari lies in the fact that they are paying for a superstar who has underperformed and not getting a great rate of return on that investment. With Leclerc being paid less and consistently outperforming, why is Hamilton being paid like a number-one driver for second-rate results? This will see lasting effects on Ferrari’s budget and team structures, where this investment could be better utilized with the current cost cap structures.

With many notable names – including George Russell and Alex Albon, among others – uncontracted in 2027, the second Ferrari seat could see some real competition. Ferrari could look to go younger, have Bearman or even Kimi Antonelli, rather than trying to squeeze a few more years from Hamilton, who is nearing the end of his career. That being said, if they were to look at a replacement, a buyout would be necessary if Hamilton does, in fact, hold the 2027 option.

The 2026 decider

At the end of the day, whether Hamilton deserves an extension or not will be heavily influenced by the 2026 performance. If Ferrari has a competitive car and Hamilton’s racecraft doesn’t tail off while keeping up with Leclerc, it would make sense on an extension. His experience and intangibles off track would only strengthen the team through the 2026 regulation changes and beyond. If Ferrari remains inconsistent or Hamilton’s gap to the Monégasque widens, then it would be best if Ferrari starts looking ahead rather than behind. Either way, 2026 will be a pivotal year for the two parties. The Scuderia will have to choose whether to commit to Hamilton for one final push or begin building for the next era.