How Likely Will Lewis Hamilton Achieve His Eight Title?

One of Lews Hamilton's main motivations for staying in F1 is achieving the eighth World Title and breaking the record, but how likely is it?

Lewis Hamilton currently shares the World record for the most Championship titles with Michael Schumacher. In 2021, he came super close to achieving the eighth title, but it slid through his fingers on the final lap of the final race of the season.

Some suggested the seven-time World Champion was ready to retire had he managed to pull off the eighth title. However, he didn't, so he stayed with Mercedes.

In 2022, he suffered a big blow as he found out he did not have a car capable of competing for the Championship, and in 2023, the same scenario repeated.

The Brit turned 39 four days ago, and his age is certainly playing against him in the chase for the eighth Drivers' World Championship title.

Many agree the seven-time World Champion seemed really disappointed in 2022, but in 2023 he found new motivation and seemed stronger than before.

The problem is that Hamilton's Mercedes was far off Red Bull's pace in 2023. Going into the winter break, the Championship winning team had a quite comfortable margin over all of its rivals.

While the Mercedes team principal and technical director promise significant changes to their car, it would be a miracle if Silver Arrows turned up in Bahrain with a car that could compete against Red Bull.

Even then, Hamilton would still have to beat at least three drivers - Sergio Perez, Max Verstappen, and his teammate George Russell and that might prove to be quite challenging.

The 39-year-old proved seven times in the past he is capable of delivering results with the right car, but he has also lost to Verstappen in a direct battle for the Championship in 2021.

Moreover, there are a couple more super-talented young drivers like Charles Leclerc or Lando Norris that could also complicate things for Hamilton.

The seven-time World Champion obviously believes in himself, and so do many others like his team principal, Toto Wolff, who said he was confident Hamilton could deliver the result had he got a competitive car.

Many ask if there is somebody who could beat the Flying Dutchman in the upcoming years, and former F1 driver Christijan Albers believes it could be exactly Hamilton.

He suggested the seven-time World Champion is the only driver who has the same level of consistency and tire management skills.

The 39-year-old's contract with Mercedes lasts until the end of the season in 2025. As it stands right now, Red Bull has the fastest car and likely might keep their advantage for two more seasons.

What if Hamilton didn't manage to achieve his eighth title in the next two seasons? Do you believe he would continue fighting with Mercedes? How long will he want to stay in F1?

There is quite a few questions that pop up when thinking about Hamilton's future. The next important date for the seven-time World Champion is 2nd March this year. That is the date when we find out just how competitive Mercedes will be in 2024.