P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton will face a major decision in 2026: whether to retire or continue racing.
Former Alpine executive director Marcin Budkowski has predicted that Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari will have an “easy discussion” if the Briton decides to retire at the end of 2026. Hamilton’s disappointing debut season with Ferrari saw him fail to achieve a podium finish and finish 86 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc. The end of the season was marred by three consecutive Q1 exits for Hamilton, leading to speculation about his retirement. The focus for Hamilton and Ferrari now shifts to the new regulations in 2026 and how they may better suit his driving style. Budkowski believes that if Hamilton’s struggles persist in 2026, he may choose to retire, and both the driver and Ferrari cannot afford a repeat of the difficulties faced in 2025. The decision on Hamilton’s future will likely be influenced by the team’s performance, his enjoyment of the sport, and whether he can remain competitive on the track. Hamilton’s willingness to retire will depend on various factors, and Budkowski anticipates a straightforward discussion if the situation calls for it.
