Is Lewis Hamilton’s F1 Career Declining? Nico Rosberg Raises Concerns
Former Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg has stirred up controversy by questioning whether Lewis Hamilton’s performance in F1 is on the decline. Rosberg, the 2016 world champion, suggested that Hamilton, who recently turned 40, may be experiencing a dip in form as he navigates through the 2025 season.
During a segment on Sky Sports F1, Rosberg analyzed Hamilton’s performance, noting similarities to his final year at Mercedes. Rosberg pointed out that George Russell had the upper hand over Hamilton at Mercedes, indicating a potential struggle for the seven-time world champion. He highlighted Hamilton’s shortcomings in qualifying pace compared to rising stars like Charles Leclerc.
Rosberg remarked, “Even if he’s the greatest of all time, at some point, you are going to get a little bit slower – that’s age-related. And when you’re 40, it’s going to happen sooner rather than later.” The former Mercedes driver emphasized the importance of ultimate pace in F1 and how even a slight decrease could impact Hamilton’s competitiveness against younger talents.
Despite being the second-oldest driver on the grid after Fernando Alonso, Hamilton has been vocal about rejecting age as a limiting factor in his career. In an interview earlier this year, Hamilton dismissed concerns about his age affecting his performance, stating, “The old man is a state of mind.” He emphasized his unique journey in F1 as the first and only Black driver, highlighting his unmatched drive and focus on winning.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 marked a significant shift after his successful tenure with Mercedes, where he clinched six out of seven drivers’ championship titles. The British driver’s transition to Ferrari has not been seamless, with both Hamilton and Leclerc struggling to adapt to the new SF25 car compared to their previous seasons.
Leclerc, Hamilton’s teammate at Ferrari, acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to the SF25’s behavior and setup, indicating a shift in driving style to maximize the car’s performance. The Monegasque driver highlighted the complexities of driver preferences and car requirements, underscoring the need for continuous adaptation in F1.
As Hamilton and Leclerc navigate the intricacies of the 2025 season, the F1 community eagerly awaits to see if Hamilton can defy doubts about his age and reclaim his dominance on the track. With fierce competition from a new generation of drivers, including Leclerc, Hamilton faces a formidable challenge to solidify his legacy in the sport.