Lewis Hamilton replacement favourite crowned in decisive verdict

Lewis Hamilton has found himself at the centre of widespread rumours about his F1 future and whether or not now is the time he steps aside and into retirement.

The Ferrari driver endured a torrid Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, which topped off an underwhelming first 'half' season with the Italian team.

Prior to joining the Scuderia, the seven-time F1 drivers' champion was already the target of negativity and criticism for the difficult way in which his Mercedes tenure came to a close, but since moving to Maranello, it has reached fever pitch.

The current speculation engulfing the British driver is a consequence of a difficult opening 14 rounds with Ferrari, which has failed to produce even a grand prix podium or come close to living up to the pre-season hype.

Hamilton has scored 109 points, whilst Charles Leclerc has taken 151, 42 more. Most damning, however, is that the 40-year-old's team-mate has reached the rostrum five times, whilst he has had to settle for only a sprint win and a further sprint podium.

The disappointment culminated in a crestfallen Hamilton at the Hungaroring, where he branded himself "absolutely useless" and suggested Ferrari needed to "change driver", a comment that has exacerbated the calls for him to retire, despite being contracted until at least the end of next year.

But it nonetheless raises the question of who would be an appropriate replacement for the 105-time grand prix winner, and in a recent poll conducted by RacingNews365, a plurality of voters threw their support behind Carlos Sainz returning to the seat Hamilton took from him.

Over 28 percent of respondents backed the Williams driver, who secured over 10 percent more of the vote than the next-most chosen candidate, Haas driver and Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman.

Check out the full results from the latest poll by RacingNews365 below and let us know what you think by leaving a comment!