Damon Hill on Hamilton:19 Years Non-Stop Anyone Would Burn Out

In January, Lewis Hamilton celebrated his 40th birthday, and amid a challenging start to his career with Ferrari, discussions quickly emerged regarding the impact of age on his performance. In addition to natural difficulties, Hamilton has faced the challenge of adapting to a new team, its philosophy, working methods, and the demanding SF-25 car all of which have only exacerbated the situation.

The last driver to win a Grand Prix after the age of 40 remains Nigel Mansell, who took victory in 1994. Hamilton, however, continues to draw inspiration from long-serving athletes such as Tom Brady, yet with age, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain the high levels of focus and physical endurance required in such a demanding sport as Formula1.

Damon Hill has pointed out that Hamilton has competed in Formula 1 for 19 consecutive seasons without a break unlike veterans such as Prost, Mansell, and Alonso, who each stepped away from the sport temporarily during their careers. The intense calendar, constant travel, time zone shifts, and 24 races per season place an immense burden on both body and mind.

When a driver can no longer consistently deliver the necessary pace, racing loses its joy. And at Ferrari, expectations are not limited to consistency they expect victories. The key question now is whether Hamilton can truly enjoy this new chapter of his career, or whether all that remains is hope for a miracle.