Is Verstappen Moving to Ferrari, Pushing Hamilton into Retirement?

The idea is gaining traction in the Formula 1 paddock. Max Verstappen’s potential Ferrari switch raises questions over Lewis Hamilton’s future in F1, with retirement looming for the seven-time champion.

A surprising candidate for securing Max Verstappen’s services for the 2026 season has emerged.

Last weekend in Saudi Arabia, Fernando Alonso mentioned three potential destinations if the reigning world champion were to leave his current team, Red Bull.

“The teams being discussed are Mercedes, Aston Martin, and Ferrari,” he stated.

George Russell also added some fuel to the fire, confirming that there’s some truth to the Ferrari rumors surrounding Verstappen.

With Charles Leclerc firmly established as Ferrari’s top driver, the arrival of Verstappen would almost certainly trigger Lewis Hamilton’s retirement after just one season with the Scuderia.

Ralf Schumacher, Michael Schumacher’s younger brother and Ferrari’s most successful driver in history, believes Hamilton’s retirement is entirely possible.

“He simply can’t get to grips with the car. People talk a lot about Lando Norris’ struggles, but it’s worse with Lewis,” he said.

“He’s really struggling. Clearly, for one reason or another, it’s just not working.”

“I know from experience that when things continue like this, it’s no longer enjoyable. He’ll wake up one morning and ask himself: ‘Why am I doing this? I’m not enjoying it, and I’m holding back my team.’”

Though Schumacher’s take may seem harsh, he argues there are plenty of reasons why a seven-time world champion in poor form might walk away from the sport earlier than expected.

Imagining a conversation with himself, Schumacher continued, “I want to enjoy my life now. I’m 40, and I’m incredibly wealthy.”

“What Ferrari and Hamilton had planned was a monumental project, but right now, he’s nowhere near Leclerc’s level. I never imagined it would be this extreme.”

“Lewis seems desperate and confused, both in his words and body language. I hope he turns things around, but I fear he may hang up his helmet before his contract ends.”

If Hamilton does retire, Verstappen seems like the ideal candidate to take his place. Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor, shares Schumacher’s view on the British driver.

“Hamilton does indeed seem desperate. But I think he’s waiting for 2026, hoping that Ferrari not only nails the car but that it will suit his driving style better.”

Former F1 driver Marc Surer also believes Ferrari could push Hamilton into retirement.

“Whether Hamilton decides to retire is one thing. But at some point, Ferrari won’t care about merchandise sales anymore, especially if there’s no success on the track.”

“Then Ferrari will ask Lewis if he wants to retire, particularly because they know that a certain Max Verstappen might be available.”

Hamilton himself has admitted that he needed a “brain transplant” to better understand the Ferrari SF-25 after qualifying five-tenths of a second behind Leclerc in Jeddah.

The former Mercedes driver acknowledged that his recent performances with Ferrari have not met the expectations that were set before the season began.

“I have to keep breathing deeply and pushing myself. I know the fans are upset. I’m sure the team isn’t happy either. I know the bosses aren’t pleased. And I’m not satisfied with my results either.”

• Discover More>Trump’s Tariff War: How F1 Teams Are Impacted
• Follow us on >FACEBOOK and >TWITTERfor F1 update

Is Verstappen Moving to Ferrari, Pushing Hamilton into Retirement? Is Verstappen Moving to Ferrari, Pushing Hamilton into Retirement?