The former Haas boss has revealed that should Hamilton fail to make progress with the Prancing Horse next season, he could retire.

This weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is Hamilton’s final opportunity to earn a podium in his maiden season at Ferrari.

Despite the seven-time world champion finishing 18 times in the top-10 this season, he has failed to finish on the podium.

His teammate, Charles Leclerc, on the other hand, has finished seven times on the podium this season.

Speaking to Lottoland, Steiner said: “I think we all had too high expectations, the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, a GOAT, going to Ferrari, the most iconic Formula One team. And then, obviously beginning of this year, reality hits.

"For sure he’s giving himself next year to see where he’s at, and if he’s competitive for sure he’s staying longer. But if he’s not competitive, he’s over 40 now, he may be closer to the day.”

The 105-time race winner looked to have turned things around after the summer break but his recent performances have gone from bad to worse.

The 40-year-old was eliminated in both SQ1 and Q1 in Qatar, and then he finished outside the points in both the sprint and the main race.

Next season in F1, the FIA has imposed new regulations which will come into play, which could potentially shake up the grid.

Steiner added: “Hopefully Lewis can come back. He never liked the ground effect cars, the cars under the current regulations.

“Next year, there is no ground effect anymore, so let’s see what he can do then.

"He will have been a year at Ferrari, he knows their culture, he’s more mature at Ferrari.

“Let’s see what happens next year. And if it isn’t happening next year, I think there will be some changes coming."