Derek Warwick, a steward with the FIA, has stirred the Formula 1 world by voicing his belief that Lewis Hamilton deserves his eighth world championship title, a feat that the renowned driver narrowly missed in 2021.
Lewis Hamilton, who made waves with his switch from Mercedes to Ferrari at the start of 2025, is facing a challenging season. Despite a promising victory in the China sprint race, Hamilton has struggled to find his footing alongside teammate Charles Leclerc, who has consistently outperformed him with all of the team’s podium finishes so far. Warwick, sharing insights possibly overlooked by the racing fraternity, suggests that Hamilton might have miscalculated the complexities of joining a new team after over a decade with Mercedes.
Warwick pointed out the hurdles Hamilton faces, such as adapting to Ferrari’s systems and mastering the new steering wheel, which could explain his struggles. Despite his reputation as a seven-time World Champion with 105 wins, it seems even seasoned drivers like Hamilton can face adaptation challenges. Warwick laments the possibility of Hamilton considering an early retirement if conditions don’t improve, particularly if he continues to trail behind Leclerc.
Adding to the unfolding drama, Warwick’s comments on Hamilton coincide with his defense of the FIA’s decision over a controversial clash between Max Verstappen and George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. The incident, which saw Verstappen penalized, was compared to a past event involving Sebastian Vettel and Hamilton, highlighting the delicate task the FIA faces in maintaining fair play. This instance, Warwick argues, was handled appropriately despite some public opinions favoring harsher punishment.
This situation highlights a possible conflict of interest within the FIA, reminiscent of Johnny Herbert’s high-profile exit as an FIA steward due to his media criticisms of Verstappen. Warwick’s backing of Hamilton and his views on the Verstappen penalty inject an intriguing narrative into F1’s ongoing saga, with Hamilton’s potential retirement and his quest for an eighth title now tangled in broader FIA debates.
The complexities of Formula 1 are on full display as Lewis Hamilton navigates a new chapter with Ferrari, caught between the pursuit of further glory and the challenges that accompany transition. Warwick’s remarks not only shed light on Hamilton’s current predicament but also prompt a broader discussion on the delicate balance of interests within the FIA. As the season progresses, Hamilton’s fans and critics alike will be watching closely, eager to see whether he can overcome these hurdles or if this chapter marks the twilight of his illustrious career.
