For Günther Steiner, Lewis Hamilton’s future in Formula 1 depends on a single element: his ability to secure an eighth world title with Ferrari. Without that, retirement could quickly become an option.
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The arrival of Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari caused a huge shock in the paddock. After twelve seasons spent at Mercedes, the Briton chose to take on one last challenge by joining the Scuderia with the clear goal of going for an eighth world crown.
But the seven-time world champion’s debut with the Italian team was not as idyllic as many had imagined. His first season in red colors proved particularly difficult, with a campaign without a podium and a sixth place finish in the drivers’ championship, the worst statistical result of his entire F1 career.
Even though the 2026 F1 season seems to show some signs of improvement, Ferrari is still far from dominating the field. After several rounds, Hamilton is fifth in the championship with 51 points, and a podium obtained in Shanghai is currently his best result.
This situation is already leading some observers to question the length of his adventure at Ferrari.
Steiner sees a clear scenario for retirement
Former Haas team boss Günther Steiner believes Lewis Hamilton has nothing left to prove to anyone in the sport. According to him, the Briton continues only because he still believes it is possible to win that famous eighth world title that would allow him to definitively surpass Michael Schumacher in the history books.
In an interview with Casino.org, Steiner explained that Hamilton’s mindset has evolved in recent years, especially after a very difficult 2025 season.
“It’s a complicated situation. This year, he seems to have started the season better. But last year was very difficult for him and also for Ferrari.”
The Italian also recalls the enormous pressure surrounding Hamilton’s arrival in Maranello. Ferrari had recruited a true legend of the sport, with the immediate hope of returning to the top.
“There were huge expectations when recruiting the seven-time world champion, considered by many as the best driver of all time, but the performances were not there.”
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The eighth title as the final obsession
For Steiner, Hamilton’s main motivation is now very simple: to prove to himself that he can still become world champion.
At 41, the Briton already has one of the most impressive records in motorsport history. His 105 wins, multiple records, and years of domination at Mercedes no longer need validation.
But the former Haas director thinks Hamilton will make a radical decision as soon as he realizes that Ferrari can no longer offer him a car capable of fighting for the title.
“He no longer needs to prove anything to others. He only wants to prove to himself that he can still do it.”
Then Steiner goes even further in his analysis: “At some point, he will say he’s had enough. And I think that moment will come when he realizes he can’t win that eighth world championship with Ferrari.”
Ferrari already looking beyond Hamilton?
This hypothesis inevitably opens the door to many speculations about Ferrari’s future. Internally, Oliver Bearman already appears as one of the Scuderia’s great hopes for the coming years.
Steiner also believes that Hamilton’s departure would naturally free up a spot for the young Briton.
Even though Ferrari officially continues to show confidence in Lewis Hamilton, the pressure is slowly mounting around the project. Time is against Maranello, and each season without a title will make the British driver’s dream a little harder.
For Hamilton, the goal remains clear: to win with Ferrari. But if the Scuderia does not quickly manage to offer him a car capable of beating Mercedes, McLaren or Red Bull over a full season, the champion’s career could end sooner than expected.
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