A revealing report has leaked Lewis Hamilton's 'controversial' clause in his Ferrari contract amid a difficult Formula 1 season.
Hamilton left Mercedes to join Ferrari at the start of the F1 2025 season.
The transfer, one of the biggest in recent history, marked just the second time the 40-year-old has switched teams in his legendary career, having previously swapped McLaren for Mercedes in 2012.
After the move, Ferrari did not disclose the length of his contract, merely describing it as a 'multi-year' deal.
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The agreement between Ferrari and Hamilton was believed to be a two-year deal, tying the seven-time F1 world champion until the end of the 2026 season.
But, according to a fresh report, the driver could trigger a clause to activate a third year until 2027.
That's according to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim Hamilton's Ferrari deal contains a 'controversial' clause that could see him stay for an additional campaign.
So, he holds all the cards and his future will lie 'entirely in his hands'.
Per the report, Ferrari have 'little say' over whether he wishes to extend his contract even if he continues to underperform on the track, having had a tough season.
Hamilton has struggled since his move to Ferrari and has yet to register a podium finish across 14 races.
His drab form was compounded when he could only manage a grid finish of 12th at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
After the race, Hamilton described himself as 'absolutely useless' and suggested Ferrari 'probably need to change driver' as a result.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he was asked to expand on that driver change comment and whether he could help fans understand his bold remarks.
"Not particularly," he replied. "When you have a feeling, you have a feeling. There’s a lot going on in the background that is not great."
When pushed if he had lost his love for the sport, Hamilton said: "No, I still love racing."
Formula 1 CEO backs Lewis Hamilton despite Ferrari struggles
After a challenging Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton received the backing of F1 CEO Stefano Domenicalli, who hailed the Brit as a 'jewel' and insists he will 'triumph again'.
"First of all, Lewis is a jewel, he is an incredible athlete, so no matter if it is a difficult moment, he will react, and I’m pretty sure he will show the reason why he is here,” he told Sky Sports F1.
"He wants to achieve his eighth title, and he will triumph again. So, stay with Lewis and he will do a great race, and be very, very strong after the summer [break]."
Topics: Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Formula 1
Nasir Jabbar