Lewis Hamilton retirement verdict given as Jenson Button sends Ferrari warning

Jenson Button backs Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari adaptation but warns Charles Leclerc has a natural advantage

The Independent shared Jenson Button’s view on why Lewis Hamilton needed time to adjust after moving from Mercedes to Ferrari.

Button said, “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.”

He added, “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.”

That point matters because Hamilton did not simply change cars. He left a Mercedes environment built around years of trust, language, habits, and support systems.

Leclerc has been embedded at Ferrari for far longer, speaks the team’s language and understands the Maranello culture in a way Hamilton has had to learn while still delivering results.

Jenson Button says Lewis Hamilton’s retirement call could belong to Ferrari if pace disappears

Button’s stronger warning was that Hamilton’s Ferrari future depends on performance, not reputation or sentiment.

“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,” Button continued.

“If he is not quick, the team will make a decision. You can’t just leave it up to a driver when they retire. If they are not quick enough, they are not quick enough.

“But Lewis this year has shown he has still got the speed. I have no idea if he will carry on beyond this season, but I don’t see why he wouldn’t,” he further stated.

Hamilton’s 2026 start supports that mixed verdict. He finished fourth in Australia, took his first Ferrari podium with third in China, and then followed with points finishes in Japan and Miami.

He is still trailing Leclerc by a narrow margin in the standings, but the gap is not wide enough to suggest Ferrari should panic.

Button’s message is ultimately balanced. Hamilton has earned more time because the speed is still visible, but Ferrari will not let its legacy protect him if the performance drops.