Lately, Lewis Hamilton’s venture with Scuderia Ferrari seems to be stalling more than accelerating, and the word on the track suggests retirement might not be far off for the racing legend. The whispers about Hamilton’s skill fade are getting louder – with Franz Tost being the latest to chime in on the matter.
While some attribute Hamilton’s rough patch to the natural progression of aging or a hectic lifestyle, Franz Tost waves a different flag on the issue. According to Tost, ‘Hamilton’s example proves how complex Formula 1 has become,’ highlighting that performance in F1 boils down to minute fractions of a second. This intricacy was vividly illustrated during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Hamilton found himself trailing behind teammate Charles Leclerc in every segment.
With the advent of ground effect regulations in 2022, many believe Hamilton’s prowess has taken a hit. A driver of his caliber likes to brake late and adjust as he turns, but that style doesn’t gel well with the new ground effect cars. Such cars demand stability that Hamilton feels is lacking, evidenced by his complaints about Ferrari’s SF-25 losing balance mid-corner.
Age might not be the main culprit in Hamilton’s struggles, but Tost suggests it plays a role. Leclerc’s familiarity with the team and the youthful edge work to his advantage. Tost notes that if Hamilton overshadows Leclerc, it would be a blow to the latter’s standing, which fuels Leclerc’s drive to outperform his predecessor.
The narrative around Lewis Hamilton’s challenges at Ferrari paints a picture of a seasoned champion battling against an evolving sport and the ticking clock. Some suggest it’s a matter of style, others a matter of time. In either case, Team Hamilton is navigating a complex landscape, striving to align past greatness with present demands in the unpredictable world of F1.
