Guenther Steiner Drops Bold Prediction on Lewis Hamilton Amid Ferrari Rumours

Guenther Steiner has made a bold Lewis Hamilton prediction amid his ongoing struggles at Ferrari.

Ever since ditching Mercedes for Ferrari at the start of 2025, Hamilton has struggled to adapt to his new surroundings.

Although the SF-25 is not Ferrari's finest work, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion has been trailing behind teammate Charles Leclerc.

As things stand, Hamilton is sixth in the championship with 121 points, 44 adrift of Leclerc, who sits fifth.

Recently, Hamilton controversially finished ahead of Leclerc at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, citing a misjudgment that led to a team order being messed up during the final lap.

Amid his ongoing struggles, Hamilton has faced calls to retire, with many names linked with a move to Ferrari as his replacement.

Lewis Hamilton has struggled since joining Ferrari. Image: Getty

Speaking to SPORTbible, via Lottoland, former Haas team principal Steiner touched on how the new regulations next year could impact Hamilton's career.

The 60-year-old said: "I think we all, me included, had too high expectations. We were all dreaming this will be what it will become, Lewis Hamilton, eighth world championship in a Ferrari. How good would that story have been. And we were always a little bit, I almost say dreaming, but I think we all had the expectations too high.

"Hopefully Lewis can come back. Lewis never liked the ground effect cars, which are the cars how they are now under the current regulations. He never loved that car. Next year there is no ground effect anymore. Let’s see what he can do then."

Steiner added: "He will have been a year at Ferrari, he knows their culture, he’s more mature at Ferrari. Let’s see what happens next year. And if it isn’t happening next year, I think there will be some changes coming."

Lewis Hamilton finished 8th at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Image: Getty

Speaking about Hamilton back in August, Steiner claimed that the 40-year-old will call it a day if the 2026 regulations do not suit his driving style.

As per MotorSport, Steiner said: "Lewis had difficulties with the new ground-effect cars from the start. And in 2026, there will be new cars, new engines, and nobody knows who will be strong then. Maybe he’ll say: 'I’ll give that a try.'

"But if that doesn’t work either, then it’s over. And not from one day to the next - if he wanted to retire, he would communicate it in time so the team can find a replacement."

F1 will return next weekend with the Singapore Grand Prix, which will take place around the Marina Bay Street Circuit.