Jenson Button: No Reason for Lewis Hamilton to Quit Ferrari Amid Renewed Pace

Jenson Button sees little reason for Lewis Hamilton to walk away from Ferrari, with the seven-time world champion showing renewed competitiveness in Formula 1’s new era. Hamilton reportedly holds an option in his Ferrari contract for 2027 that only he can activate, and Button argues that as long as he remains quick, retirement talk is premature.

Why it matters:

After a difficult 2025 season with no grand prix podiums, Hamilton's future became uncertain. His 2026 improvement — including a podium in China — has quieted retirement speculation. Button's insight as a former teammate adds credibility to the view that Hamilton still has the speed and desire to continue.

The details:

• Hamilton struggled in 2025 after moving from Mercedes to Ferrari, dealing with language barriers and a new environment. Button notes that learning at 40 is harder than at 20.
• 2026 has been brighter: Hamilton scored a podium in China, though he has yet to consistently beat Charles Leclerc.
• A contract option for 2027 gives Hamilton control over his future. Button: “If he is doing a job that he thinks is good enough, he will have that confidence and want to carry on.”
• Button added: “If he is not quick, the team will make a decision. But Lewis this year has shown he still has got the speed.”

What's next:

Hamilton's decision will likely hinge on his performance in the remaining 2026 races. If he remains competitive and enjoys the new cars, an extension seems likely. Ferrari has Oliver Bearman as a potential replacement, but for now, Hamilton appears to have silenced the retirement noise.