Lewis Hamilton isn't enjoying himself at the moment. His first year with Ferrari has not gone to plan. Sixth in the Formula One standings, he hasn't got a single podium, let alone a race win. The Brit, a seven-time world champion, trails championship leader Lando Norris by 238 points with two rounds of the season still to go.

"I feel terrible," was Hamilton's verdict in Las Vegas. "It's been the worst season ever and no matter how much I try, it just keeps getting worse." So should Hamilton, who will turn 41 just a week after New Year's Day, call it a day and retire from F1 in the offseason? Some are saying he should. Members of the Express Sport team wade into the debate...

Mark Whiley

If the regulations weren't changing this next year, I'm be inclined to say yes, he should retire now.

But the fact the rulebook is being ripped up gives me a tinge of hope Hamilton can finish his illustrious career on a high note (with the odd win rather than another title, which I can't see happening).

He's never got on with cars during the current regulation cycle, especially in qualifying, where he's clearly lost outright pace.

But if Ferrari can give him a half-decent car (that's doubtful, admittedly), all may not be lost. While Charles Leclerc has outperformed him this season, it's not like he's been a victory contender either.

But another season like this in 2026 and it will be curtains for his F1 career, which would be an incredibly sad way for him to go out.

He's hardly likely to change at his age but I'd like to see him adopt a more positive mindset, as the gloomy post-race talk isn't helping anyone.

He just doesn't seem to have fully gotten over the injustice of losing the 2021 title.

Daniel Moxon

Lewis Hamilton would be crazy to walk away from Formula One right now, no matter how grim this year has been.

The temptation is understandable - we've never seen him as disillusioned as he has been at times in the media pen after qualifying sessions and races this year.

In Las Vegas, the 40-year-old said it has been "definitely the hardest year" of his career after qualifying dead last.

Twenty-four hours later, Hamilton mumbled that he was ready for the campaign to end and, worryingly, that he was not looking forward to next season.

I was there in the media pen for both and have never witnessed the seven-time champion look so downcast.

But Hamilton wears his heart on his sleeve and we need to remember those quotes come from interviews that happen just a few minutes after getting out of the car, when the disappointment is still so raw.

It's been a dreadful year but, with new engine and aerodynamic design rules coming into force next term, it means nothing in terms of a yardstick for 2026.

You never know, Ferrari may be the ones to get it right and Hamilton and Charles Leclerc might spend the whole year in a two-Prancing Horse race for the title.

Or it could be another miserable year of finishing about sixth in most races, watching on with jealousy as others take all the glory.

If the latter happens, no-one could blame Hamilton for choosing to call it a day.

But retiring this year without knowing where Ferrari's car will stand next term wouldn't just be premature - it would be plain daft.

Jack McEachen

Lewis Hamilton and LeBron James are not just close friends, or Met Gala co-hosts, they are also at the top of their fields at the age of 40.

The Los Angeles Lakers star doesn't appear to be close to walking away from basketball, especially after he was given the correct tools to succeed - Luka Doncic was acquired in a controversial trade to form a powerful trio with Austin Reaves.

Hamilton, similarly a multiple-time world champion, has nothing left to prove. All he needs is the right ammunition.

Hamilton is correct to be concerned about his chances with Ferrari, there is little evidence to say that they can provide him with a championship car.

But who is to say Ferrari will be his last team? Aston Martin have Adrian Newey at the helm and may well be looking for new drivers in the future.

The new 2026 regulations are unpredictable and any team could be thrown into the mix. Hamilton would not be short on offers if he decides to leave Ferrari.

If he does think his time in Maranello will end without a title, retirement may not be the only option.

Charlie Malam

It's been quite hard to watch Lewis Hamilton over the last few years. His lack of success is hurting him and you can see it. It's just five podiums in his last 49 races. The last time he battled for a title, in 2021, he had five podiums (three of them race wins) in his first seven races alone.

But should he, after a maiden year with Ferrari which he's called a "nightmare", call it quits? No. Because if Ferrari do provide him with a competitive package for 2026, he is still one of the fastest on the grid. Even despite approaching his 41st birthday in January.

Will he win that elusive record-breaking eighth world championship next year? You have to say probably not. But then Hamilton has silenced his doubters many times before.

Him doing so again would not be the biggest of sporting shocks because he has the ability. His biggest problem is his current crisis of self confidence - but there is plenty of time until 2026 begins and nobody knows what is to come. That confidence can easily come back with an encouraging pre-season.

If he was to retire, and Ferrari were to hand Charles Leclerc a race-winning car next year, just imagine Hamilton's regret. At the absolute worst, he has another year of driving the world's fastest cars while banking £50million a year. You're a long time retired, Lewis. Remember that!

Archie Griggs

The steady decline of the greatest racing driver in history has been sad to witness. While his determination is admirable, it's clear that he no longer poses a serious threat and has no chance of winning that eighth world title.

As a huge admirer of his, it pains me to say that he's probably finished in F1 - but it would be silly for him to quit at the end of this season.

With sweeping regulation changes on the horizon, he might as well stick around for one more year just in case Ferrari manage to provide him with a winning car.

While it won't be enough to deliver him another world title, it could at least give him the opportunity to retire on a positive note with a couple of victories. If he calls time on his career at the end of the current campaign, he would be going out with a whimper.