Nico Rosberg has suggested that Lewis Hamilton’s age could be contributing to the seven-time Formula 1 champion’s recent struggles with performance at Ferrari this season. Despite joining Ferrari with high expectations, Hamilton’s results have lagged behind his teammate Charles Leclerc, raising questions about the impact of Hamilton’s advancing years on his racing pace.
Hamilton turned 40 this year and, while he has achieved back-to-back top-five finishes recently, the gap between him and Leclerc remains substantial. At the Monaco Grand Prix last weekend, Hamilton finished nearly 48 seconds behind his teammate, highlighting a significant performance difference. Rosberg, who was Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate from 2013 to 2016, compared Hamilton’s current challenges to those he faced during his final year at Mercedes, where younger driver George Russell outperformed him.
It’s a little bit of a continuation of the form from last year, where already there was a bit of a dip there and George had the upper hand and was beating him at Mercedes and also finished ahead in the points,
Rosberg said on Sky TV.
It’s just a little bit lacking here and there, especially at ultimate pace in qualifying. We know Charles is an incredible qualifier, so Lewis has to find a little bit more there.
Rosberg pointed out that all athletes eventually face a decline in speed, and at Hamilton’s age, this natural slowdown may already be affecting his performance. Even someone of Hamilton’s caliber is not immune to time’s impact on physical and mental sharpness, factors crucial to Formula 1 success.
Even if he’s the greatest of all time, at some point you are going to get a little bit slower and that’s age related,
Rosberg explained.
He added that reaching 40 means such changes could emerge sooner, emphasizing the importance of small differences in performance. In a sport where the smallest margin can determine victory or defeat, any slight reduction in pace is critical.
Even a tenth or something makes a huge difference in this sport, especially when you’re up against some of the greatest from the new generation, which is Charles Leclerc, who’s considered one of the absolute best qualifiers down there.
Assessment of Max Verstappen’s rise to F1 elite status
While expressing concerns about Hamilton’s current form, Rosberg praised Max Verstappen’s rise in Formula 1, placing him among the sport’s all-time greats. Despite driving a car that is reportedly inferior to some rivals, Verstappen’s consistent performance this season against stronger teams like McLaren has underscored his skill and competitiveness.
Rosberg believes Verstappen is now firmly established as one of the top drivers in Formula 1 history, ranking alongside legends like Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, and Juan Manuel Fangio.
Phenomenal job by Verstappen so far.
Rosberg remarked that Verstappen’s ability to battle for the championship and secure wins despite his car’s weaknesses highlights his exceptional talent and determination.
Implications for Hamilton’s future and Formula 1 dynamics
Hamilton’s current challenges at Ferrari suggest a possible shift in the competitive landscape of Formula 1 as younger drivers like Leclerc and Verstappen continue to dominate. Rosberg’s observations signal that age may be increasingly affecting Hamilton’s pace and qualifying performance, potentially impacting his prospects for success at Ferrari going forward.
This situation underscores the physical demands of Formula 1 and the narrow margins that separate the best drivers. Hamilton’s experience and record remain unmatched, but the arrival of talented new contenders is reshaping the sport’s hierarchy, with age possibly influencing the legendary Briton’s ability to maintain his former dominance.
