Lewis Hamilton has confirmed retirement from F1 is not an option should he win an elusive eighth title at Ferrari.
The seven-time world champion has won just three races since losing his crown at the 2021 season finale.
Ahead of his much-anticipated debut with the Scuderia, Hamilton has faced questions over whether he will commit beyond 2025 should he win the title.
If Hamilton wins the world championship this season, it would end Ferrari’s prolonged title drought. The Scuderia has not won a driver’s title since 2007.
Kimi Raikkonen took the spoils at the final round, pipping the then-rookie Hamilton by a single point.
As reported by Planet F1, he confirmed that if he wins the championship this season, he will continue into 2026 to defend it.
If I was fortunate enough to win another title, which is obviously what we’re setting out to do, I don’t see myself stopping.”
Winning a first Ferrari title vs an eighth title
Hamilton was directly questioned about whether his mindset entering 2025 is to win an eighth championship or win his maiden one with Ferrari. Hamilton’s response was resolute.
“For me, it’s the first.
“Winning a championship at Ferrari is the first. That’s what I’m working towards.
“I don’t think about the number eight.
“I’m thinking about the first championship that the team’s won for some time. They’ve already had many, many World Championships over the history.
“So, for me, it’s like looking for that first one with the team and how I can contribute to that. How can I help them achieve that?”
Ending a shared title drought
When asked, Hamilton admitted that his new start at Ferrari had give him optimism about securing another title, reaffirming his belief in the team.
Yes…yes.
“But I’m also aware that there’s a lot of drivers that never, ever get to win a World Championship, first and foremost.
“I’ve been fortunate to work in two teams previously, work with great organizations and you’ve seen in the history of the sport where you’ve got great teams and things don’t align and they end up, some of them, not winning World Championships.
“But this team already has an insane legacy and they’re not short of how many World Championships they’ve won, so I think in their DNA they have that winning mentality.
“The competition is fierce and great results from other iconic teams. like McLaren, Red Bull and obviously Mercedes.
“It’s going to be close up the top, but I’ve got a great team-mate, the energy that I’m receiving from the team is that there’s magic here.
“It’s going to still take a lot of hard work and grafting from absolutely everyone, and everyone’s putting that in already to achieve it, but it’s also about belief.
“Everyone here dreams of winning with Ferrari. Every single person in this team.”
Feature Image Credit: @ScuderiaFerrari on X
