Jenson Button has encouraged Lewis Hamilton to continue his Formula One career with Ferrari, while cautioning that the team may reconsider its options if the seven-time world champion does not maintain competitive performance. Hamilton, 41, completed a challenging inaugural season with Ferrari following 12 years at Mercedes, a period during which he described himself as “useless.” However, this year has shown signs of improvement, with Hamilton securing his first podium for Ferrari in China and notable finishes including fourth place in Melbourne, sixth in both Japan and Miami.

Hamilton currently trails championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 49 points and is eight points behind Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc in the standings. Button, the 2009 Formula One world champion, noted that adjustments to the Italian-based team have not been easy for Hamilton. “He spent so many years at Mercedes that he knew really well, and had a lot of support. 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,” Button said. He added that adapting at the age of 40 poses additional difficulties compared to drivers in their twenties.

Hamilton signed a multi-year contract with Ferrari, reportedly extending through 2027. Button emphasized that ongoing competitiveness is crucial to Hamilton’s tenure with the team. “As long as you’re competitive the noise doesn’t really matter,” Button said. “If he is as quick as he thinks he should be, then it is fine and it doesn’t matter what other people say. If he is doing a job that he thinks is good enough, then he will have that confidence and want to carry on if he is enjoying it.” However, Button also acknowledged that the final decision on Hamilton’s future may depend on the team's assessment of his performance. “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.”

The current season features strong competition from Ferrari’s Antonelli, 19, who has already secured three victories. George Russell, Hamilton’s former Mercedes teammate, is also part of the title fight with a single win this year and trails Antonelli by 20 points heading into the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, which will include a sprint race. Button expressed confidence in Russell’s ability to close the gap, stating, “George will bounce back. He knows how quick he is... It is still very early in the season. If it was eight or nine races in, then yes, you would have to worry if your teammate was in front of you at every race. But I expect George to be fighting back in Canada and we all want that fight to happen.”