Lewis Hamilton faces an uncomfortable decision during the F1 off-season.

Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 season was one to forget (Image: Getty)

Johnny Herbert, former F1 racer and FIA steward, believes that Lewis Hamilton’s interviews at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix could serve as a ‘farewell speech’, and that there is a significant chance that the seven-time world champion could retire from the sport during the off-season.

Hamilton joined Ferrari hoping that a fresh start could be the catalyst to help him return to World Championship contention, but what transpired was anything but. The legendary Brit ended the year without a podium to his name for the first time in his career, and only finished ahead of rookie Kimi Antonelli by six points. ​​

After finishing eighth at the Abu Dhabi GP, the Brit confessed that he was desperate to get away from the paddock and enjoy his winter break after the most challenging year of his career. The 40-year-old even claimed he would throw his phone in the bin and spend the next few months on a digital detox.

Analysing the seven-time world champion’s parting comments, Herbert told NewBettingSites: “I could see Lewis Hamilton’s words as a farewell speech, yes. You’ve got to be honest to yourself. And if you do honestly feel that you have no idea of what you need to do to get out of the doldrums and get around the problem, then why carry on?

“He was always able to find a way, was always in the fight, always there. He had the will and the ability. Now he doesn’t. So, I could see him choosing to say, ‘Actually, that’s it. I’ve had one of the best careers of any driver in F1, and I can leave a happy chap.’

“So, I could see maybe that could be a thought process. And maybe he has a sit-down with Anthony and his mum, to discuss, you know, where he is at. Some of his interviews in the pen, where he’s quite literally not answering any questions at all.

According to Herbert, Hamilton could retire this off-season (Image: Getty)

It’s just in this horrible dark place. And I find it very uncomfortable. It’s a place I’ve never seen him in before. And it just makes it very uncomfortable. Then you see what happens on the track, and then you get a double slap in the face.

“To me, it’s clear that he’s not the Lewis Hamilton he once was. Everything seems harder, way harder, whereas it was simple. He never even had to think about it. It just happened. It’s gone. Will it come back? I’d be very surprised.”

Hamilton, for his part, denies any intention to retire before the end of his Ferrari contract, and former Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg encouraged the Brit not to walk away from the challenge when quizzed about his ex-rival’s plight at the Yas Marina Circuit last weekend.