Lewis Hamilton will NEVER win another F1 world title because he has ‘serious problems’ and ‘isn’t hungry anymore’ says Sir Jackie Stewart
- Lewis Hamilton is tied with Ferrari icon Michael Schumacher on seven titles
- The Briton has not had the car to challenge for the title since missing out in 2021
- Jackie Stewart believes Mercedes star ‘is no longer hungry’
Formula 1 legend Jackie Stewart has sensationally claimed that Lewis Hamilton is ‘no longer hungry’ and may never win an eighth drivers’ title.
The Briton is still tied with Ferrari icon Michael Schumacher with seven titles following the controversy surrounding the 2021 season finale when he was pipped to the championship by Max Verstappen.
Red Bull star Verstappen is on track to win his third straight title after winning a record tenth straight race at the Italian Grand Prix. Hamilton is now 200 points behind the Dutchman and is fourth in the standings.
Hamilton recently signed a £50 million two-year extension, which will allow him to stay in the sport right up to his 41st birthday.
Stewart, who won three titles himself between 1969 and 1973, has told the story BIL that Hamilton has “serious problems” that could keep him from an eighth title.
Lewis Hamilton has ‘lost his hunger’ according to Formula 1 legend Jackie Stewart
Hamilton’s Mercedes has been unable to compete with Max Verstappen and Red Bull since narrowly missing out on the drivers’ title at the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP in controversial style
Jackie Stewart says Hamilton has ‘serious problems’ winning an eighth title
In an interview, he told the German publication: “First of all, Lewis is one of the best who has ever driven in Formula 1. But the truth is that for the past ten years he has been battling with Mercedes for a team that has been virtually out of competition.
During this time, Lewis had only one real competitor: his respective teammate. Except in 2016, he always emerged victorious from the duel. And then he lost to Nico Rosberg. With respect: a good driver, but not the most talented in the world.
But Rosberg was hungry and absolutely determined to become world champion. Lewis isn’t that hungry anymore. Because of that – and because the car isn’t as powerful anymore – it has serious problems.”
Stewart, 84, added that Hamilton’s hopes of winning the title depend on Mercedes, although he doesn’t expect to go further than Schumacher on his own.
He said: “That (eighth title) also depends on Mercedes. It’s not impossible, but I still don’t think he’ll be able to do it. And I don’t think – despite the rumors about Ferrari – he will change teams again.’
The Ferrari rumors he mentions are linked to talks earlier this year that the 38-year-old would make a switch to the Italian team.
Hamilton instead decided to continue with Mercedes and the 2025 campaign will be his 13th year driving for the Silver Arrows.
The Briton holds the record for the most race wins at 103, although he has gone 37 races without taking home the winner’s trophy – with the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix his last win to date.
Stewart also claimed Hamilton lost the 2016 title to a driver ‘who isn’t the most talented’ in Nico Rosberg (right)
Hamilton is still tied for seven drivers’ titles with Ferrari icon Michael Schumacher
This season he has had four podium finishes in Australia, Spain, Canada and Great Britain.
At the Italian Grand Prix he finished sixth, despite a five-second time penalty following a collision with McLaren rookie Oscar Piastri.
Time is against Hamilton’s side with the Briton in his final years of his racing career, but he still believes he can win more world championships.
“As for 2021, I’m not really a revenge person,” he said after signing his contract.
“It’s not about revenge. It’s not about redemption. That’s in the past, you can’t help it.
“But what we can do is work harder, be more precise and progress better. And I really believe that together with this team we can win more world championships and more races. So that’s where all my energy goes.’