F1 News: Lewis Hamilton Told to Retire in ‘Cheating’ Verdict as Team Decide on Sack

In a shocking twist that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has reportedly been urged to retire from the sport following a controversial “cheating” verdict. According to sources close to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, internal discussions have taken place about whether to terminate Hamilton’s contract ahead of schedule — a move that would be unprecedented in modern F1 history.

The Incident That Sparked the Storm

The controversy centers around the Monaco Grand Prix earlier this season. While Hamilton finished in a respectable position, an investigation by the FIA found irregularities in the data logs of his W14 car. According to leaked reports, the telemetry suggested “unauthorized performance adjustments” during a safety car period.

While there has been no public confirmation of wrongdoing, whispers within the paddock indicate that rival teams lodged formal complaints, prompting the FIA to launch a quiet but thorough investigation.

An insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed:

“The FIA’s findings didn’t just point to a breach of technical regulations — they raised questions about sporting ethics. This isn’t just about car settings; it’s about trust.”

Mercedes’ Dilemma

Mercedes now faces a crossroads. Hamilton’s contract, reportedly worth over £40 million a year, runs until the end of next season. But senior management is said to be weighing the costs — both financial and reputational — of keeping him on board.

Toto Wolff, the team principal, has remained tight-lipped, telling reporters only:

“There are ongoing conversations. Lewis has been part of our family for over a decade, and that’s something we respect deeply. But Formula 1 is a results-driven, rule-driven sport.”

According to a high-level source inside the Brackley headquarters, there is real debate over whether to ask Hamilton to step down voluntarily — thus avoiding the PR disaster of an outright dismissal — or to let the contract run its course while quietly sidelining him from competitive opportunities.

‘Cheating’ Allegations Hit Hard

The “cheating” label is particularly damaging in a sport where fractions of a second define careers. While Hamilton’s supporters insist the claims are exaggerated, the court of public opinion has already begun to turn. Social media has been ablaze with divided opinions, with some fans calling for his immediate resignation and others arguing that the FIA is targeting him unfairly.

Former F1 driver and commentator Damon Hill weighed in:

“This is the most serious challenge to Lewis’s integrity since he entered the sport. If the evidence is compelling, it will tarnish everything he’s achieved. If it’s not, then this is a witch hunt.”

Calls for Retirement

Several influential voices in the F1 paddock — including some former champions — have quietly suggested that Hamilton should “retire gracefully” rather than risk ending his career in scandal. The sentiment is that bowing out now, before any official sanctions, might protect his legacy.

However, those close to Hamilton say he is in no mood to walk away. A longtime friend told the Daily Motor:

“Lewis is furious. He feels betrayed by people inside the sport and inside his own team. Retiring now would be like admitting guilt, and he’s not going to do that.”

The Business Factor

Beyond sporting considerations, there is a huge financial dimension to the saga. Hamilton is one of the most marketable athletes in the world, with sponsorships tied not just to his performance but also to his image as a clean, inspirational competitor. Any confirmation of a cheating offense could trigger contract clauses allowing sponsors to withdraw — a potential multi-million-pound loss for both Hamilton and Mercedes.

It is understood that Mercedes has consulted its legal department extensively over the past two weeks to determine its options.

What Happens Next

The FIA is expected to release an official statement within the next month, but until then, the speculation will only intensify. Meanwhile, Mercedes must decide whether to field Hamilton in the upcoming Italian Grand Prix or to bench him pending further clarity.

If Hamilton is dropped mid-season, it would mark the first time in the turbo-hybrid era that a world champion has been removed from a seat under such controversial circumstances.

Hamilton’s Legacy at Stake

Lewis Hamilton’s record-breaking career — 103 Grand Prix victories, seven world titles, and countless pole positions — has made him a legend of the sport. Yet, the current storm threatens to overshadow it all.

Fans are left asking: Will this be remembered as the season Hamilton fought back against accusations and proved his innocence, or the year his glittering career came to a sudden and ignominious end?

For now, the man himself has made just one public comment, via social media:

“I know the truth, and so will the world. I’m not done yet.”

The next few weeks could define not just Hamilton’s future, but the history books of Formula 1 itself.

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton had weekends to forget in Hungary (Image: Getty)

The summer break has arrived, breaking up a season that continues to gather steam with every passing race weekend. The gap between the two McLaren drivers at the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings has been trimmed to just nine points after Lando Norris chalked up his third win in four Grands Prix last time out.

There are plenty of developing storylines further down the grid, too. Max Verstappen is now just 15 points ahead of George Russell in the standings, while all eyes are on Lewis Hamilton’s 10-race run-in after his worst start to an F1 season.

Then there are the contracts that are yet to be signed. New squad Cadillac have two seats open, while Alpine and Racing Bulls also have key decisions to make about their line-ups for 2026. With the summer break now in action, expect rumours and negotiations to step up in the coming weeks.