Former Haas driver sets timeline for Lewis Hamilton’s F1 exit

The 39-year-old, who recently weighed in on the British driver’s future in the sport, stated he doesn’t expect Hamilton to make a sudden retirement announcement like Nico Rosberg did in 2016, but he believes the 2026 campaign could be the last for the Ferrari driver.

“You never know. Nico Rosberg, five days after becoming world champion, walked away from Formula 1. It was a shock. Is Lewis going to walk away? I don't think so,” Grosjean said via Formula 1.

“I think he has pride and competitiveness; he wants to do well and cannot finish a season like he just did. My guess is he's going to be here in 2026, but 2026 could be one of his last,” he added.

Further stressing why he believes 2026 could mark the curtain call for Hamilton’s career, the former Haas F1 driver continued:

“Also, he's not young anymore. I mean, not old, but for a race car driver, he's on the older side. And he's been competing in Formula 1 since 2007. That's going to be 19 years next year, and it's a world that takes a lot out of you. Eventually, you're tired of it, and you just want to go home,” he concluded.

Hamilton has seen conversation about his continuity in Formula 1 increase in the spotlight following the underwhelming results he recorded with Scuderia Ferrari. The former Mercedes driver has, however, reiterated his love for racing when asked about his future by GPblog.

Earlier, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner stressed the need for Ferrari to get its 2026 car right if it hopes to keep Hamilton motivated.

The 60-year-old stated that the Maranello-based outfit’s car for next season could play an important role in Hamilton’s continuity in F1.

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