Lewis Hamilton heads into this weekend’s British Grand Prix as one of the favourites for victory – but according to one eye-catching prediction, Sunday’s race could also be his last on home soil. The seven-time world champion will have tens of thousands of fans roaring him on when Formula One returns to Silverstone for one of the highlights of the sporting calendar.
But away from the historic Northamptonshire circuit, conversation is likely to centre on Hamilton’s future as speculation over his possible retirement continues to gather pace. Earlier this season, respected Dutch journalist Louis Dekker suggested the 41-year-old Brit could use his home Grand Prix – where he was won a record nine times – as the stage to make a bombshell announcement.
“Ferrari is falling a bit short,” he told the NOS Formula One podcast in May. “Their starts are impressive, but they can’t quite maintain that momentum. Earlier this year, Ferrari was seen as the team that had sacrificed a season for a breakthrough year. Now, it’s becoming clear that they might not be the winning team they once were, especially with McLaren quickly gaining ground. That tells you a lot. I’d bet a bottle on it. I think Hamilton will announce his retirement at Silverstone and finish out the year.”
That prediction was echoed by former Formula One driver and six-time Grand Prix winner Ralph Schumacher, who tipped both Hamilton and 45-year-old Fernando Alonso to call it a day this year. He told Sky Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast: “Hamilton is in a better position again this year but, over the course of the season, he won’t stand a chance against Leclerc. It’s time – and I have to also say the same about Fernando Alonso.
“Hamilton and Alonso have had a wonderful time in Formula One. But now it’s time for both of them to step out of their cockpits at the end of the year and give young people a chance.”
But Hamilton, who holds a contract with Ferrari until the end of 2027, insists he has no intention of bringing his glittering career to an end any time soon. “I still plan to be here for quite some time,” he declared in a swift, 10-word statement ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix in late May.
“Everything is 100 per cent clear to me. I am still focused, still motivated, still love what I do with all my heart. I am going to be here for quite some time.” The Ferrari star even aimed a thinly veiled dig at those predicting his retirement, adding: “There are a lot of people who are trying to retire me and that is not even in my thoughts. I’m already thinking about what will be next and planning for the next five years.”