Hamilton And Mercedes Era 'Is Now Over' Says Former Ferrari Driver Irvine

Saturday, 13 January 2024 at 19:00

1999 Formula One Championship runnerup Eddie Irvine suggested the era of Lewis Hamilton's triumphs has come to an end.

Lewis Hamilton has equalled the record of Michael Schumacher in 2022 for the most consecutive seasons with at least one Grand Prix victory - 15.

However, the seven-time World Champion has not been able to score a victory ever since. With the current dominance of Red Bull and Max Verstappen, Eddie Irvine suspects the era of Hamilton and Mercedes is over. He told La Gazzetta dello Sport:

"The era of Hamilton and Mercedes’ triumphs is now over. But Lewis is still a very good driver, very goal-oriented, and willing to get results."

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The 39-year-old is not giving up in his chase for the eighth World Championship. However, the former F1 driver suggests achieving the next Championship win, even with a competitive car, would be very tough for Hamilton.

"He is still doing a great job behind the wheel of an F1 car even if the comparison with Verstappen is tough, because Max is younger, has a bit more speed and a huge belief in his own means."

One of the main reasons for Hamilton not being able to achieve a single win in the last two seasons has been his car's lack of speed.

"Hamilton’s prospects will depend on how competitive Mercedes will be in 2024. If Toto Wolff’s team returns to a fast car, then Lewis could certainly win one or more races, something he has failed to do in the last two seasons."

While the former Ferrari driver believes Hamilton might get a few wins here and there with a more competitive car, he doubts the 39-year-old will ever be able to achieve his eighth Championship title.

"With his experience, he has shown that he knows how to take every opportunity that comes his way in both qualifying and the race. However, I doubt that he will be able to take the championship again and realise his dream of winning an eighth title."

The 39-year-old is at the stage of his career when many people are starting to doubt him. On the other hand, Jenson Button suggested Hamilton looks now even faster than a few years back. What do you think are the chances of the Brit becoming the first eight-time World Champion?