Sir Jackie Stewart has questioned whether Lewis Hamilton could have made his significant switch to Ferrari earlier in his career, rather than as he approaches 40.
As the 2024 season draws to a close with just six races remaining, the seven-time F1 champion is preparing for his much-anticipated move to Ferrari in 2025. He will be partnering with Charles Leclerc, who is 13 years his junior.
Hamilton, who will turn 40 before making his debut for ‘The Prancing Horse’ in Melbourne, has been told by Stewart that such a major career move would typically occur earlier. The veteran racer described it as “unusual”.
READ MORE:Michael Schumacher set to make another rare appearance as son Mick announces engagement
READ MORE:Daniel Ricciardo set to end F1 career as Aussie rejects new Red Bull role
Despite this, during an appearance on the Racing News 365 podcast, the ‘Flying Scot’ expressed no doubts about Hamilton’s ability to succeed at Ferrari, even after 17 years since his F1 debut. Citing Hamilton’s impressive win at the British Grand Prix in July, Stewart remains confident in the Brit’s track prowess.
“It’s more difficult for him to do it at 40 years than it would have been if he had been 25 or 30,” he said. “But he’s still got the skill, as is obvious at the present time, such as the British Grand Prix this year.”, reports the Express.
Stewart added that he understands Hamilton’s wish to prolong what has already been a lengthy F1 career. “It’s unusual. But at some point he has to retire as a racing driver, and he feels that time has not yet arrived. And I can understand that.”
Hamilton is currently placed sixth in the Drivers’ Standings with 174 points, which puts him 19 points ahead of his teammate George Russell and 71 points behind future colleague Charles Leclerc.
While there might be speculation on whether Hamilton can continue to deliver top results, he himself feels more capable than ever. In an interview with The Sunday Times, he expressed: “I’m in such a good place, physically and mentally.
“My reaction times are still quicker than the young guys. I think I’m a better driver than I was at 22. I was just young, energetic and ruthless, but no finesse, no balance. I didn’t know how to be a team player, how to be a leader. Being a good racing driver, it’s not just about being fast, it’s about being the most rounded.”