Three-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart believes Lewis Hamilton has lost his “hunger” to fight for a world title, meaning that an unprecedented eighth title is unlikely.
It was confirmed ahead of last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix that Hamilton would be staying with Mercedes for another two seasons, taking him to the end of 2025 with the Silver Arrows.
Alongside earning £50 million per season, Hamilton’s goal is to get Mercedes back to winning ways and claim that elusive eighth championship.
As proven this season, getting Mercedes back to the top isn’t going to be an overnight job, with the seven-time World Champion having still not won since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
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Red Bull and Max Verstappen are just too superior as things stand, whilst Mercedes simply don’t have the machinery to challenge them.
Hamilton has continued to state that he is motivated and determined to get back to the top and dethrone Verstappen, but Stewart seemingly isn’t convinced that the 38-year-old has it in him anymore.
“First of all, Lewis is one of the best to ever drive in Formula 1,” Stewart told German publication Bild.
“But the truth is that in the last decade he competed with Mercedes for a team that was virtually out of competition.
“During this time, Lewis only had one real competitor: his respective teammate. Except for 2016, he always emerged victorious from the duel.
“And then he lost to Nico Rosberg. With respect: a good driver, but not the most talented in the world.
“But Rosberg was hungry and had the absolute will to become world champion. Lewis no longer has that hunger.
“Because of that – and because the car is no longer quite as powerful – he has serious problems.”
Stewart isn’t completely ruling out Hamilton claiming another world title to eclipse Michael Schumacher, with him noting that “it’s not impossible”.
Despite this, the Scotsman seemingly isn’t convinced that it’ll happen.
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Stewart is very much expecting Hamilton to see out his remaining days in F1 before calling it a day, without leaving the Silver Arrows.
“That [eighth title] also depends on Mercedes. It’s not impossible, but I still don’t think he’ll be able to do it,” Stewart added.
“And I don’t think – despite the rumours about Ferrari – that he will change teams again.”