Jose Mourinho invoked Lewis Hamilton F1 greatness in a passionate defence of SL Benfica’s stature, responding directly to Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas’ criticism about Benfica “arriving late” in title chases. Speaking before Benfica’s December 28 fixture against Braga in Lisbon, Mourinho highlighted how Hamilton’s extraordinary achievements in Formula 1, despite recent challenges, underline the lasting significance of history and legacy over immediate setbacks.
Mourinho addressed the criticism by referencing Hamilton’s seven world championships, achieved over seasons both dominant and difficult. He drew a clear parallel between Hamilton’s enduring success and Benfica’s historic status as Portugal’s most decorated football club, stating that long-term excellence outshines momentary lapses. According to Mourinho,
“Lewis Hamilton arrived late to the last two Formula 1 World Championships, but won seven or eight. He arrived late, but he is the driver with the most championships,”
—Mourinho. He argued that, just as Hamilton remains one of the sport’s greatest competitors despite not leading every season from the start, Benfica’s legacy should not be dismissed in light of recent form.
Sporting CP, after ending a long trophy drought by clinching consecutive titles in 2024 and 2025, have used their success to frame Benfica as slow to find top form. Yet, Benfica continues to hold a commanding record in Portuguese football, with 38 national titles compared to Sporting’s 21, further supporting Mourinho’s claim that historical context is essential in assessing true greatness. These comparisons have added to the competitive tension between Portugal’s major clubs, intensifying debates about status and achievement within the league.
Recent Setbacks Do Not Diminish Hamilton’s Position in F1
Hamilton’s recent seasons exemplify the notion that greatness transcends short-term results. Despite holding records for most race wins, pole positions, podiums, and points in Formula 1 history, Hamilton’s recent campaigns have not matched his earlier dominance. His final year with Mercedes in 2024 saw him finish seventh overall—his lowest-ever ranking—despite securing two race victories and five podium finishes. Transferring to Ferrari in 2025 led to further difficulties, with Hamilton ending sixth in the championship, totaling 156 points and, for the first time in his career, missing the podium entirely.
Ferrari also endured a winless season in 2025, ultimately trailing Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes in the Constructors’ standings. Still, Mourinho’s esteem for both Hamilton and Ferrari has persisted. He has maintained close ties with the team, including visiting Silverstone in 2025, where Hamilton hosted Mourinho and his family in the Scuderia Ferrari garage—reflecting ongoing mutual respect between legendary figures across different sports.
Mourinho Draws Comparisons Between Ferrari and Real Madrid
Discussing the magnitude of representing brands like Ferrari, Mourinho likened the team to football’s Real Madrid. He reflected,
“It’s the same with Ferrari – when you step onto the track, you win. But while wearing red is a dream, it is also a huge responsibility.”
—Mourinho. The analogy pointed to the expectations and weight of history carried by both Ferrari and teams like Real Madrid, suggesting that simply donning their colors sets a standard for excellence and invites immense scrutiny.
In 2025, the pressure on Ferrari’s drivers—including Hamilton and Charles Leclerc—was particularly intense as the team redirected focus toward car development for the 2026 season, leaving the 2025 car less competitive. Even under such adverse conditions, Hamilton managed a standout fourth-place finish at Silverstone, highlighting his perseverance in challenging circumstances. Mourinho believes this resilience, and the ability to draw on tradition and past glory, are crucial qualities, relevant for Benfica as they navigate criticism and strive to maintain their legacy.
For Mourinho and Benfica, the enduring lesson from Lewis Hamilton F1 greatness is clear: the weight of history and consistent high achievement cannot be dismissed by a few seasons of struggle. The intense rivalry among Portuguese football clubs and the figures they reference reveals the ongoing struggle to define what really constitutes lasting greatness in sport.
🎙️| The Special One José Mourinho:
"Benfica's history shows that it has lagged behind at times, but most of the time it doesn't.
Lewis Hamilton lagged behind in the last two F1 seasons, but he won seven or eight championships.
The F1 driver with the most championships.… pic.twitter.com/L4J2Ly4FaN
— Ferrari Focus (@Scuderiascoop) December 27, 2025
Mourinho comparou o Benfica a Lewis Hamilton.
— Curiosidades Europa (@CuriosidadesEU) December 27, 2025
