Hamilton could race for several more years, BBC correspondent says

Lewis Hamilton can remain in Formula 1 for several more years, BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson says, as the 41-year-old returns to strong form in the sport’s latest generation of cars. But staying beyond next season is likely to require a new Ferrari contract, with his current deal believed to expire then.

Hamilton has said he wants to keep racing until Formula 1 returns to Africa, which is not expected before 2030. He would be 45 by then. Benson points to Fernando Alonso, also 45, as an example of a driver still competing at a high level, while noting that longevity depends on the individual.

The longer-term question follows a difficult spell for Hamilton in the ground-effect era from 2022 to 2025. He was beaten by Mercedes team-mate George Russell in two of their three seasons together and, in 2025, appeared to struggle against Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc. Those results prompted questions about whether Hamilton could adapt to the cars and whether age was a factor, Benson writes.

This season’s cars have brought a change in fortunes: Hamilton is performing strongly again and is level with Leclerc, according to Benson. Hamilton has also pushed back against doubts about his pace. After reaching his 400th grand prix, he said: “I still feel young, and regardless of the things that people say, you saw my pole last week, I still have the pace, I still have the speed and I still have the dedication, which is most important and the focus.”

Hamilton’s record includes seven world championships, 105 race wins and 104 pole positions, the most in Formula 1 history. His latest pole came at the Mexico City Grand Prix, his first for Ferrari and first in more than three years. [Hamilton took pole in Mexico City](https://www.newsmadeclear.com/en/news/112a36df-548b-4944-8a96-afeef1b82e75).