Hamilton’s Performance Under Scrutiny as Age Questions Emerge
Barcelona, Spain – Nico Rosberg, the 2016 Formula 1 world champion and former teammate of Lewis Hamilton, has raised concerns regarding Hamilton’s performance in the wake of his 40th birthday. Speaking during the Sky Sports F1 coverage ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Rosberg noted that Hamilton’s current form appears to mirror the decline observed in his last season with Mercedes, where teammate George Russell often outperformed him.
“It’s a continuation of his form from last year,” Rosberg asserted. He emphasized Hamilton’s struggles with ultimate pace, particularly in qualifying against younger drivers such as Charles Leclerc, whom he cites as “one of the absolute best qualifiers.” Rosberg suggested that even a slight decrease in performance could significantly impact results in Formula 1, especially at Hamilton’s age.
“Even if he’s the greatest of all time, at some point, you are going to get a little bit slower— that’s age-related,” Rosberg stated. He questioned whether Hamilton has reached that turning point.
Despite such criticism, Hamilton remains defiant. In a recent interview with Time Magazine, he rejected the notion that age defines his capabilities. “The old man is a state of mind. Of course your body ages. But I’m never going to be an old man,” he asserted, stressing that his unique journey in F1 sets him apart from other drivers.
Hamilton, now with Ferrari after leaving Mercedes, aims for an elusive eighth championship. However, early challenges with the SF25 have prompted shifts in team strategies. Leclerc, adapting to the new car’s demands, explained the difficulties faced, stating, “It’s always very difficult to compare drivers’ feelings… I feel like I’m changing quite a lot of my driving style.”
As the Spanish Grand Prix weekend unfolds, both Hamilton’s performance and Rosberg’s remarks will be closely monitored, adding layers of intrigue to the 2025 season.
