Lewis Hamilton could ‘back out of Ferrari contract’ as he doubts Formula One future

He was fuming after Sunday's race

Hamilton finished a lowly 10^th place at the Grand Prix last weekend after a chaotic qualifying session saw him crash out in Q1 leaving him 14th on the grid.

The Brit, who is leaving Mercedes at the end of the season to join Ferrari, laid his frustrations bare in a message on the team radio where he hinted quitting the rest of the season.

He slammed the ‘worst ever’ car following a ‘disaster of a weekend’.

However, it was Hamilton’s suggestion that the race might be ‘the last time that I get to perform’ that has worried his current bosses at Mercedes and future bosses at Ferrari where he has signed a £50m-a-year contract.

He said: “That was a disaster of a weekend guys. That is the worst the car has ever been.

“But thank you for continuing to try. Great job from the guys at the pitstop.

“If this is the last time that I get to perform, it’s a shame it wasn't great, but grateful for you.”

Mercedes are adamant that the legendary F1 driver will complete the season amid rumours of a special send-off in the final race of the season which is set to take place in Abu Dhabi.

Hamilton further raised doubts in an interview with motorsport.com at the conclusion of Sunday’s race.

He said: “If they give me a car that doesn't bounce off the track in the next few races, then hopefully we can get a better result.

“But yeah, looking forward to Christmas.”

The cryptic message may have an alternative meaning though. The 39-year-old could be referring to the pit crew who could be switched for the remaining three races in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Hamilton joined Mercedes from McLaren in 2013 after previously winning the title in 2008. Since then, he has been at the forefront of the sport and has won a further six Drivers’ Championships.

He has won two races this season but finds himself seventh in the standings.

Sunday came on the 16th anniversary of his memorable title-winning drive in 2008 but Ferrari are growing concerned by his recent performances as the Brit seemingly struggled for speed and looked low on confidence in the wet conditions.