Lewis Hamilton’s potential departure from Ferrari if Christian Horner is appointed
Lewis Hamilton would reportedly “walk out” of Ferrari should Christian Horner be appointed as his new team principal, reports BritPanorama.
The seven-time world champion’s possible exit is linked to his longstanding relationship with current boss Frederic Vasseur, whom he worked alongside during the Formula 2 season in 2006. Tensions between Hamilton and Horner in recent years may also play a role in this reported stance.
Hamilton’s contract with Ferrari is set to expire at the conclusion of the 2026 season, which could mean that any announcement regarding Vasseur’s potential replacement might hasten his decision to leave the Maranello outfit.
Horner, who was dismissed from Red Bull after two decades as team principal, oversaw eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles during his tenure. He received an £80 million settlement following negotiations with the team. Since his departure, he has been linked with several positions, with Ferrari being among the most prominent prospects.
Although Vasseur secured a contract extension last year, speculation remains that his position could be jeopardised if the Italian team fails to perform under the new technical regulations set to be introduced for the 2026 campaign. Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari in 2025 has proven to be the most challenging of his 19-year Formula One career, where he claimed a sprint victory in China but subsequently did not reach the podium in any of the following 24 Grands Prix.
His total of 156 points was his lowest since the scoring system was revamped in 2010, placing him sixth in the championship standings. By contrast, teammate Charles Leclerc claimed seven podium finishes, accumulating 242 points throughout the season. Hamilton also qualified outside the top ten on nine occasions, failing to progress beyond Q2.
Reports suggest that Hamilton could consider stepping away from Formula One entirely if his fortunes do not improve in the upcoming season. This is a notable concern, given his increasing frustration, which led him to label his Ferrari experience a “nightmare” following his retirement at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Ferrari are reportedly evaluating potential successors for Hamilton, with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, along with Haas driver Oliver Bearman, listed among the candidates.
The final chapter of Hamilton’s Ferrari saga remains to be written, reflecting the precarious balance between competitive ambition and personal allegiance in the world of Formula One. In such a landscape, the choices of drivers can often reverberate far beyond the racetrack.
