Lewis Hamilton would reportedly "walk out" of Ferrari should Christian Horner be appointed as his new team principal.
The seven-time world champion's potential departure could stem from his longstanding close relationship with current boss Frederic Vasseur, whom he worked alongside during his Formula 2 days in 2006.
Tensions between Hamilton and Horner over recent years may also factor into the reported stance.
With Hamilton's Ferrari contract believed to expire at the conclusion of 2026, any announcement regarding Vasseur's replacement could accelerate his decision to depart the Maranello outfit.
Lewis Hamilton does not see eye to eye with Christian Horner
|PA
Horner departed Red Bull last summer following two decades at the helm, during which he oversaw eight drivers' championships and six constructors' titles.
The 52-year-old reportedly received an £80 million settlement after weeks of negotiations with the energy drinks outfit.
Since his exit, the British team boss has been linked with several positions, with Ferrari among the most prominent destinations mentioned.
Although Vasseur secured a contract extension last year, speculation persists that his position could come under threat should the Italian team fail to perform under the new technical regulations being introduced for the 2026 campaign.
Hamilton's maiden campaign with Ferrari in 2025 proved to be the most challenging of his 19-year Formula One career.
Christian Horner was sacked by Red Bull last year
|REUTERS
The British driver secured a sprint victory in China early in the season but subsequently failed to reach the podium in any of the 24 Grands Prix that followed.
His final tally of 156 points represented his lowest total under the scoring system implemented in 2010, leaving him sixth in the championship standings.
By contrast, teammate Charles Leclerc claimed seven podium finishes and accumulated 242 points across the same period.
Hamilton qualified outside the top ten on nine separate occasions, failing to progress beyond Q2.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Hamilton could step away from Formula One entirely should his fortunes fail to improve during the upcoming season.
Lewis Hamilton could quit F1 altogether
|REUTERS
The 41-year-old appeared increasingly despondent as 2025 progressed, at one point describing his Ferrari experience as a "nightmare" following his retirement at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
After qualifying twelfth in Hungary whilst Leclerc secured pole, Hamilton suggested the team might benefit from a different driver.
Ferrari are reportedly already assessing potential successors, with McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri under consideration alongside Haas driver Oliver Bearman.
Hamilton's final three races saw him eliminated in Q1 at Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.