Jenson Button explains what Lewis Hamilton must do to secure Ferrari future
Hamilton finally landed the first Scuderia podium of his career with a third place in China this season.
Jenson Button has offered his backing to Lewis Hamilton , suggesting the seven-time world champion will postpone retirement for at least another year, but cautioned that Ferrari could ultimately dictate his future if he fails to deliver on track. Hamilton, 41, endured a challenging inaugural season with Ferrari following his high-profile transfer from Mercedes in 2025. At one point, he candidly described his own performance as "useless" and even suggested the Italian outfit consider replacing him.
However, a promising fourth-place finish at the season opener in Australia was followed by his first Ferrari podium, securing third in China. Subsequent races saw him finish sixth in both Japan and Miami, leaving him 49 points adrift of Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings and eight behind his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc. Hamilton’s current multi-year deal with Ferrari is understood to extend through to 2027.
Jenson Button feels Lewis Hamilton still has more to offer at Ferrari (PA Wire) Reflecting on Hamilton’s initial struggles, Button told the Press Association: "Obviously, last year was not the easiest for Lewis. He spent so many years in a team (Mercedes) that he knew really well, and had a lot of support from that team. Then, you go to a different team that is based in Italy, and he doesn’t speak Italian.
He doesn’t have that on his side, whereas his team-mate does. " The 2009 world champion added: "So, it does take a minute to get used to it, especially at 40 years old when learning is a lot more difficult than it is in your twenties. But it has been really good to see him competitive this year, and fighting with Charles.