Lewis Hamilton News: Ferrari Move, Retirement & Updates

Lewis Hamilton has spent more than a decade at the front of the Formula 1 grid—but 2025 marked a dramatic shift. The seven-time world champion swapped Mercedes for Ferrari at the start of the year and endured a season that even he called a “nightmare.” From retirement speculation to a major personal milestone, here’s what readers need to know.

F1 Championships: 7 · Years Sober: 2 · Next Team: Ferrari (2025) · Current Contract Length: Multi-year · Health Conditions: ADHD and Dyslexia

What has happened to Lewis Hamilton?

The 2025 season represented Hamilton’s first full campaign with Ferrari—and it proved a stark contrast to his dominant years with Mercedes. Hamilton finished sixth in the Drivers’ Championship standings and failed to secure a single podium across the entire season. ESPN reported he described the year as a “nightmare,” with 15 consecutive races without a podium finish.

Recent F1 updates

Hamilton and Leclerc both retired from the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on November 9, 2025, delivering a devastating double blow to Ferrari’s constructors’ hopes. Formula1.com reported Hamilton stated “I feel terrible for the team” after the retirement. Ferrari ultimately dropped from second to fourth in the constructors’ standings that year.

Ferrari move details

Hamilton joined Ferrari at the beginning of 2025 after 12 campaigns with Mercedes, where he won six of his seven world titles. Motorsport.com confirmed the contract was initially reported as a guaranteed two-year deal with an option for a third year, though various outlets claimed it could be a four-year agreement—exact length has never been officially disclosed.

Lewis Hamilton retirement timeline set with issue to become ‘talking point’

Hamilton has set specific conditions before he’ll consider stepping away from Formula 1—and both involve milestones beyond his own career ambitions.

Timeline speculation

The British driver declared he won’t retire until rival Fernando Alonso reaches 50 years old, telling The Express: “I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon, and I really appreciate that Fernando is continuing, because it means he’s older than me.” Beyond the Alonso condition, Hamilton also stated he will not leave Formula 1 until the sport returns to Africa for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix, Racing News 365 reported.

Contract length

Hamilton’s Ferrari contract concludes in 2026, with The Express confirming this timeline. F1 commentator David Croft stated Hamilton will return in 2026 and will feel “refreshed and invigorated” after time away, according to GPFans.

What is Lewis Hamilton’s net worth?

Estimates of Hamilton’s wealth vary significantly across financial publications, with figures ranging from hundreds of millions to over £300 million depending on the methodology used. The debate over whether Hamilton is richer than David Beckham persists without definitive verification, though both athletes rank among Britain’s highest-earning sports stars.

Hamilton’s primary wealth sources include his F1 salary, numerous endorsement deals with global brands, and business ventures. His move to Ferrari likely includes performance bonuses and podium incentives, though exact contract terms remain private.

Wealth sources

Hamilton’s earnings stem from three main streams: his base F1 salary (estimated at £40+ million annually during his Mercedes years), endorsement partnerships with brands including Mercedes-Benz, Tommy Hilfiger, and Puma, and various business investments. Forbes has consistently ranked him among the world’s highest-paid athletes.

Comparisons

When comparing Hamilton to David Beckham, both athletes share similar wealth profiles through different mechanisms. Beckham’s fortune derives heavily from brand partnerships and Miami Beckham FC ownership, while Hamilton’s wealth is more tied to his active racing career and performance-based contracts.

What is Lewis Hamilton diagnosed with?

Hamilton has spoken openly about his experiences with both ADHD and dyslexia, using his platform to advocate for neurodivergent individuals and mental health awareness.

ADHD experience

The seven-time champion has discussed how ADHD affects his daily life and racing performance. Rather than viewing it solely as a challenge, Hamilton has positioned his neurodivergence as part of what makes him competitive. “It’s the love for what you do, it’s the love for racing,” he told Motorsport.com when discussing his motivation to continue despite difficulties.

Dyslexia details

Hamilton has been open about his dyslexia, which affects his reading and processing speed. He has credited his family and support team with helping him develop coping strategies throughout his career. The diagnosis came during his schooling years, and Hamilton has spoken about the challenges of processing information quickly under the pressure of competition.

Is Lewis Hamilton still sober?

Hamilton marked a significant personal milestone in 2025, reaching two years of sobriety. The achievement represents a conscious lifestyle choice the athlete has discussed in various interviews and social media posts.

Sobriety milestone

According to ESPN, Hamilton went on a digital detox after the 2025 season, spending time away from social media and electronic devices. His 41st birthday Instagram post referenced “leaving behind the Year of the Snake” and “entering the year of the Horse,” suggesting a deliberate period of reflection and reset.

Personal updates

Hamilton’s sobriety journey appears connected to his broader mental health approach. Following the challenging 2025 season, the digital detox represents his strategy for recalibrating ahead of 2026. He remains signed on a multi-year deal with Ferrari and will be aiming for that record-breaking eighth title when the new season begins.

Lewis Hamilton 2025-2026 Timeline

Confirmed vs. Unconfirmed

What Experts Are Saying

“I still have a dream that I hold hope in my heart for.”

— Lewis Hamilton, speaking to Motorsport.com

“The time for change is now.”

— Lewis Hamilton, ESPN

“Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur suggested Hamilton’s transition from following Russell into the corner to attacking in clean air may have caused the Dutch GP crash.”

— Sky Sports F1 analyst

“I’m not going anywhere, so stick with me.”

— Hamilton’s defiant social media statement after Formula 1 testing, GB News

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Beyond the track struggles of 2025, his Ferrari-era net worth underscores Lewis Hamilton’s financial empire built on championships, sponsorships, and savvy investments.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Motorsport.com – Hamilton shuts down retirement talk
• Formula1.com – Hamilton reacts to Sao Paulo retirement
• Sky Sports – Dutch GP crash