Guenther Steiner believes Lewis Hamilton could retire from F1 at the end of 2025 if he cannot solve his Ferrari woes.
Hamilton’s move to the Scuderia has not panned out as hoped, with the seven-time champion yet to record a podium finish in a grand prix and cut a disconsolate figure during the Hungarian GP weekend.
After being dumped yet again in Q2, Hamilton suggested that he was “useless” and that Ferrari “needs another driver”, and his mood had not improved after the race, where he finished a lapped 12th.
He did confirm that he would not quit mid-season and would be in the car for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort at the end of August, with the Briton enjoying a multi-year contract at Ferrari, with an option for a third year on his side.
However, former Haas boss Steiner believes that Hamilton could not even see the second year of his Ferrari contract if his fortunes do not improve.
“He has lost his self-confidence. If you don’t believe in yourself anymore, you can’t perform,” Steiner told Web.de.
“You only have to think back to the moment when his move to Ferrari was announced. That was huge hype, including for me. The seven-time world champion at the Scuderia, that sounded like a fairy tale.
“Of course, he had high expectations of it himself, but then when reality doesn’t live up to expectations, you lose confidence in yourself. Age always plays a role.
“You don’t get faster as you get older, but he can certainly drive at a good level for a few more years. However, if you don’t enjoy it anymore, then there’s no point.
“It’s better to say, ‘I tried, it didn’t work out, and I’m quitting.’ Of course the car always plays a role, but we are in Formula 1, and a top driver has to be able to deal with what he is given.
“If a car is difficult to handle in certain areas, it is up to the driver to adapt, not the other way around. The car is good. I wouldn’t look for an excuse there for Lewis.
“I think the summer break will be a moment of reflection for him. Maybe after that, he will come back more relaxed, and his performance will improve.
“But maybe not, then I can well imagine him saying at the end of the year: ‘That’s it. I’m not doing this to myself for another year.’
“He has many interests outside of Formula 1, and he is a brand in his own right. Many drivers need F1 as a platform. Lewis doesn’t need that anymore, and that also makes it easier for him to call it a day.”
