Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert has expressed surprise at Lewis Hamilton’s lack of success with Ferrari and stated he favors Fernando Alonso’s chances of returning to championship-winning form over Hamilton’s, despite Alonso’s last title dating back to 2006. Hamilton joined Ferrari in early 2025 but has yet to reach the podium this season, finishing sixth overall in the 2025 drivers’ standings, well behind teammate Charles Leclerc.
The seven-time world champion’s performance has been particularly disappointing compared to Leclerc, who achieved seven podium finishes and outscored Hamilton by 86 points, marking the most significant gap Hamilton has ever faced against a teammate. At 41, Hamilton is not the oldest driver on the grid, as Alonso, aged 44, continues to compete with Aston Martin.
Alonso’s Persistence with Aston Martin and Hamilton’s Struggles
Alonso remains hopeful for Aston Martin’s future under technical chief Adrian Newey, anticipating the team might soon challenge for race wins and possibly titles. Herbert voiced his belief that Alonso has more potential to fight for top honors again, even with an uncompetitive car, while Hamilton has struggled to find pace and adaptability in his current situation.
Herbert told the Stay on Track podcast,
“If I look at those two, and I go, right, which one would I expect, if he were given the car, which one would be the one I put my money on? And I probably, unfortunately, sadly, say I’d probably go Fernando,”
He added,
“Fernando, he’s in a bad car in that Aston Martin. It’s not the best. It’s sort of there or thereabouts sometimes. But he’s able to sort of squeeze that extra something out of it.”
Herbert expressed confusion over Hamilton’s lack of similar impact last year, stating,
Image of: Lewis Hamilton
“And I never saw that happen last year with Lewis, which I’m sort of shocked that we never ever saw that.”
He also commented on Hamilton’s evident frustration:
“I’m sure he’s very frustrated and shocked that he wasn’t able to do it. And then I look at his face and those interviews after the race, and you go, he’s lost. He cannot understand what he needs to do to get around the problem he’s got. And of course, Charles is getting around it.”
Potential for Change with 2026 Regulation Overhaul
The upcoming 2026 season introduces significant regulatory changes, including updates to power unit and car design rules, which might offer Ferrari a chance to close the gap on their rivals if they can effectively adapt. For Hamilton, this shift represents an opportunity to handle a different style of car and perhaps regain winning form after managing only two race victories since the major regulation changes introduced in 2022.
Although winning an eighth world title appears unlikely, Hamilton remains motivated to increase his record of 105 Grand Prix wins next year. Similarly, Alonso seems aware that another championship is a long shot at 44 but might secure a 33rd career victory if Aston Martin can improve, ending the Spaniard’s decade-long winless streak since the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix.
