Former Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg has raised questions about whether Lewis Hamilton’s F1 career is starting to decline amid the ongoing 2025 season. Rosberg pointed to Hamilton’s recent struggles and age as possible factors affecting the British driver’s competitiveness on the track.
On Sky Sports F1, Rosberg compared Hamilton’s current form to his final year at Mercedes, highlighting that George Russell often outpaced him that season. He noted Hamilton’s difficulties during qualifying sessions and his falling behind younger drivers such as Charles Leclerc.
Concerns Over Age Impacting Hamilton’s Racing Pace
Rosberg stated,
“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. And when you’re 40, it’s going to happen sooner rather than later.”
He stressed the crucial role that outright pace plays in Formula 1 and how any slight reduction could diminish Hamilton’s ability to compete with emerging talents.
Although Hamilton is the second-oldest driver on the grid after Fernando Alonso, he has downplayed the effect of age on his performance. Earlier this year, Hamilton remarked,
“The old man is a state of mind.”
His comments reinforced his focus and determination as the sport’s only Black driver with an exceptional record of success.
New Challenges Following Move to Ferrari
Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari in 2025 ended his long stint with Mercedes, where he won six out of seven championships. However, his adaptation to Ferrari’s SF25 car has not been smooth, with both Hamilton and Leclerc finding it difficult to replicate their previous success this season.
Leclerc, who is Hamilton’s teammate at Ferrari, admitted the SF25 requires different driving techniques and set-up approaches. He emphasized the ongoing challenge of aligning driver preferences with the car’s demands to optimize performance on race weekends.
Future Prospects Amidst Rising Competition
As the 2025 season continues, the Formula 1 community watches closely to see if Hamilton can overcome these hurdles and silence doubts about his longevity. Facing stiff competition from younger stars such as Leclerc and Russell, Hamilton’s ability to maintain his historic legacy in the sport remains uncertain but highly anticipated.