Lewis Hamilton admits no talks yet over Ferrari contract extension

Lewis Hamilton has admitted he has not yet engaged in talks with Ferrari about extending his contract, even as teammate Charles Leclerc secured a new long-term deal this week. The seven-time world champion's current 'two-plus-one' arrangement keeps him at Maranello until at least the end of 2026, with an option in his favor for 2027.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's contract status will shape Ferrari's driver lineup for the next regulation cycle. With Leclerc now locked in through 2028, the Scuderia faces a decision on whether to extend Hamilton's stay or look elsewhere. At 41, Hamilton's performance and motivation remain key questions, though he recently stated in Canada that he plans to race "for quite some time" while chasing a record eighth title.

The details:

• Leclerc's new contract, signed this week, extends his previous deal (which ran through 2028) and includes a pay rise. The Monegasque is now firmly positioned as a long-term cornerstone for Ferrari.
• Hamilton's initial contract, signed ahead of the 2025 season, is a two-plus-one structure. That means he is committed through 2026, with a one-year option he can activate unilaterally.
• Speaking in Monaco ahead of a weekend where Ferrari is tipped for its first win of the season, Hamilton said: "No. It's still some time off. I've got a lot of time. It's not a thought or conversation that I'm engaging in."
• Despite that relaxed stance, Hamilton has repeatedly stated his ambition to win an eighth title, and his recent comments in Canada — "I am going to be here for quite some time" — suggest he sees his F1 career continuing beyond 2026.

What's next:

Hamilton and Ferrari are focused on immediate performance, not contract negotiations. The team is chasing its first grand prix win of the 2026 season, and Hamilton's driving has shown flashes of his old brilliance. If results improve, extension talks will likely begin later this year. For now, the seven-time champion is content to let his racing do the talking.