F1 fans question Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari future after latest message ahead of the 2026 season

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Lewis Hamilton enters the 2026 Formula 1 season not knowing whether it will be his last. It’s his 20th consecutive campaign, and second with Ferrari.

The Briton has made it clear that he has no intention of giving up the ghost any time soon, but his failure to challenge for the drivers’ championship over the last few years will have frustrated him.

The 2026 F1 regulations offer a chance for a reset, and for a new generation of car to suit his driving style a little better. That’s what Hamilton will be hoping for, at least.

A lot has been said in the media about a lot hinging on the opening six races for Ferrari, but as soon as pre-season testing, they’ll know whether they’re in for a promising campaign.

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Ferrari have already made costly decisions for Hamilton and are running out of time to prove that signing him was the right move in 2024.

Looking to the new season, Ferrari have designed a ‘very compact’ gearbox, which they hope will give them an advantage. Every tenth of a second will be vital.

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton could stay at Ferrari in non-driving role after he exits his F1 seat

F1 fans question whether Lewis Hamilton will remain at Ferrari after social media post

Hamilton could chase dreams ‘far removed’ from F1 if the next 12 months don’t quite go as he or his team would hope.

During his latest social media post, he has taken time to reflect on his career so far, as well as the challenges he faced in 2025.

“Let go of things that don’t serve you,” he said on Instagram. “This can take time, there will be things you can’t get rid of immediately, but it starts with the first step. Even though the world can seem like a mess, I hope that you’re staying focused on living life to the fullest.

“Be you and never forget who you are. I learnt that from many of you who told me this in 2025, and I’ll never forget again! Your support means the world to me, and I’m here for you, too. You are never alone. Let’s take it one day at a time, one step at a time.”

But fans on Reddit are confused by the meaning behind his words. Some are questioning whether he plans to leave Ferrari.

“Is he leaving Ferrari?” said one individual.

“If Ferrari can do this to a 7-time world champion and GOAT, the rest of the drivers have no chance,” replied another.

Someone else pointed the finger at the Maranello-based outfit entirely: “It sucks. I want to root for this legendary team, but the culture there seems to be rotten to the core.”

Another fan feels that it serves as a warning to his rivals: “Let that be a message to all F1 champions who want to drive for Ferrari. Let go of that dream, it doesn’t serve you.”

Others are worried for him outside of racing, too, with this fan suggesting: “No, you are not alone. Leave the s—— as quickly as possible for your own health, man. Chuck is already in too deep.”

And finally, one last response said, “Yep, either Ferrari gives him a car that at least gets him within spitting image of the Championship this year, or he’s gone.”

READ MORE: Doubts about Lewis Hamilton have now ‘exploded’ within Ferrari amid Oliver Bearman talk

Why 2026 looks a lot more promising for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari

Doubts about Lewis Hamilton have ‘exploded’ at Ferrari, and at the age of 41, it will be hard for him to prove his doubters wrong.

But he doesn’t need to find any more motivation for the new year. Ferrari have been working on their new project for a long time.

In his second year in their system, the seven-time champion should be familiar with his colleagues and their way of working now.

Making him more comfortable should help produce a better working environment and leave them in strong stead for the rest of 2026.