Formula 1 News: Lewis Hamilton has no plans to retire despite Ecclestone warning

(GMM) Lewis Hamilton has rejected speculation that his difficult first year with Ferrari could push him into retirement.

In a rare interview away from the race weekend paddock, the seven-time world champion told L’Equipe he has no plans to leave Formula 1.

“My priorities stem from my love for Formula 1,” said the 40-year-old. “The love of my life is Formula 1. I love this job more than almost anything.”

Asked about recent and ongoing rumors of an imminent exit, he smiled: “I have no intention of leaving anytime soon, and I’m very happy that Fernando (Alonso) is staying too, because it means he’s older than me.

“Yes, I’m going to stay until he turns 50.” Alonso is currently 44 years old.

Hamilton said he takes pride in having competed with and beating some of the sport’s greatest names. “I admire every one of these competitors,” said the Briton.

“I put myself in their shoes – they’ve made enormous sacrifices. In the end, someone wins and someone loses. I know the pain they must have felt after those defeats. I’m aware of that.

“I have empathy for them in that sense and enormous respect.”

Hamilton admitted he does not have a close relationship with Fernando Alonso, but counts Sebastian Vettel as a genuine friend. “I don’t talk much to Fernando. Seb, on the other hand, has been a great support.

“He’s been truly incredible, a very good friend over the years,” said Hamilton.

He revealed that during the depths of his Ferrari slump – when he labeled himself “useless” – he considered reaching out to Vettel. “I was planning on speaking to Seb during that break, and I think I’ll do so soon.

“I haven’t called him this year because I don’t use the phone much. I didn’t want to upset him, and I didn’t want to speak to him before so as not to have any preconceived ideas. With six or eight months of experience, I know the situation well, so I’ll probably speak to him soon.”

Hamilton also spoke of the sacrifices he has made for his career, but admits he has special admiration for other athletes in different disciplines. “I’m always impressed by Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and other greats like Tom Brady, who have families and continue to perform.

“For me, it just hasn’t happened,” he said. “My niece and my family will always be the priority, but I don’t like to do things halfway, I wouldn’t give 100 percent.

“I’m not saying that others aren’t doing that, but I have to be tenacious, train, be super diligent, get involved. I don’t want to have to choose – either the racing suffers so the family can succeed, or the family suffers so the racing can succeed. For now, I don’t have to choose, and I’m happy to focus on just one thing.

“And, even if I sacrifice everything for it, it’s still very difficult to be successful.”

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Ecclestone urges Hamilton to retire now

Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has urged Lewis Hamilton to retire from motorsport, warning that continuing his career risks overshadowing his legacy. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion and F1’s most successful driver, has struggled in 2025 with Ferrari, failing to secure a podium in 16 races, while teammate Charles Leclerc has claimed five podiums and a pole position in Hungary.

Hamilton’s last title came in 2020 with Mercedes, and despite a fierce challenge against Max Verstappen in 2021, he has only won two races in the past three and a half years. Ecclestone, 94, believes now is the time for the 40-year-old to step away. “It’s embarrassing for Lewis and Ferrari that they thought he could deliver what was needed, but he hasn’t,” Ecclestone told Sport.de. “If he continues for another year or two without improving, people will forget him and his achievements.”

Ecclestone attributes Hamilton’s struggles to age and waning focus. “He’s getting tired, and Formula One isn’t his only priority anymore,” he said. “Twenty years is a long time, and we now have many young drivers in F1.”