Formula 1 commentator Martin Brundle has raised concerns over Lewis Hamilton’s future in the sport, suggesting the seven-time world champion might consider retirement rather than continue through two more seasons of frustration — especially after a difficult Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.
Hamilton, who joined Ferrari this season, endured what Brundle described as one of the toughest weekends of his career.
After a disappointing qualifying session, he started 12th on the grid while teammate Charles Leclerc secured pole.
Hamilton finished in the same position after the race — lapped and outside the points.
F1 news: Martin Brundle is worried about Lewis Hamilton following his downbeat demenour at the Hungarian Grand Prix
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The Briton later criticised his own performance, referring to himself as “useless” and even suggesting publicly that Ferrari should consider replacing him with another driver.
While Hamilton has shown glimpses of pace, including a pole and sprint win in China, and a third-place finish in Miami’s sprint, he has yet to reach a Grand Prix podium this season.
This is the first time in his F1 career he’s failed to do so before the summer break.
Brundle, writing in his Sky Sports F1 column, expressed sympathy for Hamilton’s current struggles: “I'm not looking forward to writing this next section.
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“It's about Lewis Hamilton, who endured what must have been one of the worst weekends of his career, in and out of the car.”
Brundle noted Hamilton’s harsh self-assessment post-qualifying and his lack of race-day performance, calling it a clear sign of a driver under immense pressure.
“That was best left unsaid, but he obviously wanted to openly punish himself,” Brundle added.
“The summer break couldn't be more timely for Lewis to have a reset. It's painful to observe this great champion in so much strife.
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Lewis Hamilton could only finish 12th at the Hungarian Grand Prix | GETTY"We have to expect he can weather the storm and return to form, given his talent and experience.
"But otherwise, I simply can't see him enduring two more seasons at Ferrari, or anywhere else, like this.”
Hamilton signed a two-year deal with Ferrari, with an optional third year that could take him through to 2027, but Brundle believes the current situation could prompt the Briton to reconsider his future if things don’t improve.
Adding to the difficult weekend, Hamilton appeared withdrawn during post-race procedures.
He lingered in parc fermé, visibly downbeat, and skipped a stewards' enquiry into a Turn 4 incident with Max Verstappen, where he ran off track to avoid contact.
Hamilton opted not to contest the move, while Verstappen attended and offered his version of events — ultimately avoiding a penalty.
Now, Hamilton heads into the summer break facing significant questions about his form and mindset.
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| GETTYThe F1 season resumes on August 31 with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, a race Hamilton has never won since its return to the calendar in 2021.
With time to reflect and recover, all eyes will be on whether Hamilton can bounce back in the second half of the season.
If he fails to do so, his career could be over.