In a stunning turn after the Miami Grand Prix, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton has publicly delivered a shocking ultimatum to Ferrari: unless certain major changes are made within the team, he is ready to walk away from Formula 1 for good.
Hamilton, who finished a disappointing P8 behind teammate Charles Leclerc in Miami, expressed his frustration over Ferrari’s internal decisions, lack of pace, and the confusing team orders that left both drivers bewildered. Speaking after the race, Hamilton admitted:
“Look, I didn’t come to Ferrari just to play around in the midfield. I came here to fight for wins, to fight for titles. If we can’t sit down and make some real, clear changes — in strategy, in car development, in the way we communicate during races — I don’t see myself continuing like this. I’m not here to extend my career just for the sake of staying on the grid.”
The British driver clarified that his heated radio messages during the race, where he openly questioned the team’s handling of the situation, were “taken out of context.” But Hamilton made it clear that the frustrations were real and that Miami was just the tip of the iceberg.
“I have full respect for Charles, and I appreciate Fred [Vasseur, team principal] trying to keep things together. But we both know we’re capable of more. If Ferrari wants me here long-term, they need to show that they are willing to evolve — not just in the car but in the whole racing culture. If that doesn’t happen, then honestly, I’d rather step away earlier than drag things on.”
Inside sources reveal that both Hamilton and Leclerc have called for urgent internal meetings at Maranello to address the team’s performance slump. While Ferrari has shown flashes of brilliance this season, inconsistency, strategic blunders, and a car that seems to fall short of the Red Bull-McLaren-Mercedes battle have left the drivers feeling frustrated and underused.
Fred Vasseur acknowledged the brewing tension, telling media after the race:
“I understand the frustration; Lewis and Charles want to win — that’s why they’re here. We are working to improve, and the discussions they’ve asked for will happen this week. We know we must do better.”
For Hamilton, the message is loud and clear.
“I don’t need to keep racing if I’m not in a position to fight at the front. I’ve done everything I set out to do in this sport. If Ferrari wants to keep me, they have to match my ambition. Otherwise, I’m happy to step away on my own terms.”
Ferrari now faces not only a competitive challenge on track but also a critical internal moment that could decide whether they retain one of the most decorated drivers in Formula 1 history — or watch him leave the sport earlier than anyone expected.