F1 icon Lewis Hamilton should consider retirement after a poor start to the 2024 season

A slow start to the 2024 season for Lewis Hamilton has put his future in question. Following a miserable five races, sitting ninth in the drivers’ standings, the 7x champion appears to be past his peak. Although he has signed a contract with Ferrari from 2025, whispers of retirement have repeatedly surrounded Hamilton.

It would be a serious mistake to dismiss the British sensation after a few poor runs. With years of mastery in high pressure situations, he has built a remarkable racecraft. He tested the limits of what was thought to be a rookie driver Max Verstappen in the infamous 2021 race, proving his ability to transform and survive under increasing pressure.

Should Lewis Hamilton call it quits after disappointing start to 2024 F1 season?

Undoubtedly, Hamilton has reached the end of his career at the age of 39. Age does not always mean that sk**l has declined, but the expectations of racing in Formula 1 are high. Getting used to a car that doesn’t match his driving style can be more challenging. The driver recently claimed to be driving in his 40s like Fernando Alonso. However, age may further decrease performance.

🗣️ | Rosberg calls out Lewis Hamilton for his ‘apologies’ after P9 in China

👉 | To be fair to the seven-time world champion, he said he was trying to help his team gather more valuable data and find the car’s sweet spot. pic.twitter.com/Jtxo96aXl6

— Racing Infinity (@RacingInfinity1) April 24, 2024

With the driver market expanding with new talent such as Oscar Piastre, Oliver Biermann and Liam Lawson, keeping up with the new era of racers could be frustrating for Hamilton. In later years, he would pair up with young gun Charles Leclerc. Monegasque remains a top priority for Scuderia Ferrari to this day. With the intense dynamic of the two drivers in a team that is often inconsistent, Hamilton may find it difficult to secure his much-anticipated 8th championship title.

Although the Brit had hoped to end his final year at Mercedes on a high note, the W15 also delivered a rather lackluster performance. This could raise fears for his future team as they had to let go of recent start performer Carlos Sainz to make room for Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton confirms retirement plans ahead of Suzuka race

Despite a rough start to the 2024 season, Lewis Hamilton isn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet. However, his recent struggles and impending 40th birthday have prompted him to consider life after racing. Alonso expressed concern at the start of the season about the long and tiring F1 calendar. Nevertheless, the extensive and rigorous nature of the sport may have even motivated Hamilton to retire recently.

“Conversei com tantos atletas incredible, de Boris Becker a Serena Williams, até mesmo Michael Jordan, que estão aposentados, ou alguns que ainda estão competindo, eo medo do que está por vir”.

Lewis Hamilton is arbitrary. The athlete signed a contract with Ferrari until 2026 pic.twitter.com/dlrFtqKbqJ

— Lista Preta (@listapreta) April 9, 2024

Inspired by conversations with other sports legends, Hamilton is already eyeing his next venture. In his conversation with GQ, Lewis Hamilton said, “The hard thing is that I want to do everything. To master anything, it takes 10,000 hours. Obviously, I did it in racing. There’s not enough time to master all these different things.”

When asked about his plans after Formula 1, Hamilton shared, “Well, I think it’s going to be movies and fashion. I’ve spoken to so many amazing athletes, from Boris Becker to Serena Williams, and even Michael Jordan. Talking to the greats I’ve met along the way, who have retired, or who are still competing, and the fear of what’s next, the lack of preparation for what’s next.”

A Hollywood motorsport movie collaboration with Brad Pitt is already underway, along with fashion and filmmaking on her list. Although he has many interesting things in store for the future, Hamilton is determined to close his Mercedes career firmly before stepping away from the wheel.