Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari career has gotten off to an uneven start. While he clinched an impressive victory in the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint on Saturday—his first win in Ferrari colors (though it doesn’t count toward his official tally) and his maiden Sprint triumph—his first two races have been underwhelming.
Hamilton even secured pole position in China, something he failed to do in his entire final season at Mercedes. But come race day, his pace dropped off, and he eventually offered to let teammate Charles Leclerc pass (despite Leclerc’s damaged front wing). He finished sixth, only to be disqualified later for excessive plank wear.
His debut in Australia was more promising, qualifying alongside Leclerc on the fourth row. However, a botched late switch from slicks back to intermediates saw them finish a disappointing P8 and P10. So far, Hamilton has only managed eight points from three races, leaving him ninth in the standings heading into Japan—hardly the dream start.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur recently dismissed claims in L’Equipe that Hamilton is past his prime, a narrative that gained traction last season. Statistically, 2024 was Hamilton’s worst year yet—he finished outside the top six for the first time, behind teammate George Russell, and lost their qualifying battle 19-5.
Critics have pointed to his age (he’s now 40, the second-oldest driver after Fernando Alonso) as a factor. No driver over 40 has won a championship since 1966, fueling doubts about whether Hamilton can return to title-contending form.
| SEASON | PODIUMS | SEASON | PODIUMS |
| 2007 | 12 | 2016 | 17 |
| 2008 | 10 | 2017 | 13 |
| 2009 | 5 | 2018 | 17 |
| 2010 | 9 | 2019 | 17 |
| 2011 | 6 | 2020 | 14 |
| 2012 | 7 | 2021 | 17 |
| 2013 | 5 | 2022 | 9 |
| 2014 | 16 | 2023 | 6 |
| 2015 | 17 | 2024 | 5 |
Vasseur has dismissed these claims as both ‘completely false’ and ‘disrespectful.’ He pointed to Hamilton’s impressive performance at last season’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – where the seven-time champion sliced through the field in a brilliant farewell drive for Mercedes – as proof the British driver still has what it takes.
“To think that Hamilton is worn out, finished, is rude,” he said. “And what’s more, it’s false. Look at his last race last year: he started sixteenth and finished fourth, overtaking his teammate.”
Nico Rosberg claims Hamilton secured bragging rights at Mercedes by overtaking George Russell on the final lap in China – a move that gave him more championship points across their three seasons as teammates.
However, Sky Germany analyst Ralf Schumacher argues Hamilton would stand ‘no chance’ against current world champion Max Verstappen in the same Red Bull. According to Schumacher, Hamilton requires a more stable car, while Verstappen thrives in the unpredictable RB21.
Hamilton still faces another formidable challenge in Charles Leclerc. While many expected the Monegasque to dominate qualifying, Hamilton outperformed him both on Friday and Saturday in Shanghai.
An eighth championship with Ferrari would cement Hamilton’s status as the undisputed greatest for many fans – a record no driver has ever achieved. But not everyone agrees: Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna’s former teammate, says he’d ‘never’ declare Hamilton the outright GOAT. The French racing legend believes comparing drivers across different eras makes the title essentially meaningless.
