Damon Hill suggests Lewis Hamilton has lost essential quality he faced issues with late in his F1 career
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Lewis Hamilton and Damon Hill's Formula 1 careers may seem vastly different at first glance, with few direct comparisons to be made between the two. Hamilton made his F1 debut in 2007 with McLaren, quickly establishing himself as one of the most talented young drivers to emerge from the junior ranks. In contrast, Damon Hill began his F1 career at the age of 32 in 1992, having spent years building his experience in various racing categories.
Hill has expressed doubt that any modern-day driver would debut under similar circumstances, given the vast scouting networks and advanced talent identification systems used by F1 teams today. Despite these differences, both British drivers went on to become world champions, though Hill was never able to match Hamilton's extraordinary success and consistency.
While Hill retired at 39 after a solid F1 career, Hamilton has continued to break records, now entering his 40s alongside Fernando Alonso as one of two drivers on the grid in that age group. As Hamilton embarks on a new chapter with Ferrari in 2025, there's much for him to adjust to before the season kicks off at the Australian Grand Prix. Ferrari has seen Hamilton putting in long hours at the factory, eager to familiarize himself with the team's processes and systems. However, Hill, in a conversation with Speedcafe, expressed concern that there might be a key aspect of Lewis Hamilton’s racing abilities that could have diminished with age.
The 1996 Formula 1 world champion believes that as drivers get older, they inevitably lose some of the natural edge that their younger competitors still possess. For Lewis Hamilton, who faces the challenge of competing against drivers much younger than himself, this could present a significant hurdle. However, Damon Hill also acknowledged that the seven-time Formula 1 world champion’s vast experience and mental toughness would be critical in overcoming this challenge and maintaining his competitiveness in what promises to be a highly competitive 2025 F1 season.
Hill was asked about how Hamilton compares to Leclerc and what he could add to his legacy at Ferrari. He responded by stating that he believed it was a good move for Hamilton to join Ferrari, noting that Hamilton seemed very happy with the decision. Hill acknowledged that Charles Leclerc is very quick, which means Hamilton would have to push himself to perform at his best, especially considering his age of 40. However, he also emphasized Hamilton's determination, pointing out that he had proven people wrong in many areas throughout his career, making it impossible to predict his performance. Hill remarked that in races, Hamilton was very formidable and, while he speculated that Hamilton might have lost a bit of his qualifying pace, he believed Charles Leclerc might be slightly quicker in one-lap situations. Despite this, he noted that Hamilton still had the ability to find his groove during a race and showcased his considerable talent.
When asked if the loss of edge in qualifying was something Hill had experienced in his own career, he explained that this was indeed a phenomenon he had noticed. Hill mentioned that in one's early 20s, a driver tends to have no fear and relies heavily on instinct. As experience builds, however, it can sometimes become a hindrance as drivers seek perfection, which is difficult to achieve in the sport. He added that, in qualifying, it's essential to forget previous experiences and rely on raw, instinctive driving. Hill suggested that sometimes, when a driver has a good car and a great feeling in the cockpit, everything clicks, allowing them to extract the best performance. He concluded by reassuring that this doesn't mean Hamilton has lost everything, just that the process changes over time.
Lewis Hamilton was openly critical of his qualifying performances toward the end of the 2024 season, particularly after his Mercedes teammate, George Russell, consistently outperformed him in head-to-head qualifying stats. This marked a notable dip in Hamilton's usual dominance during one-lap sessions. However, with his move to Ferrari for the 2025 season, Hamilton is expected to be re-energized, motivated to prove himself once again at the pinnacle of motorsport. The SF-25 might align more closely with his driving style compared to the recent Mercedes cars, offering him a better chance to regain his edge.
Yet, Hamilton faces a tough challenge in his teammate Charles Leclerc, who has consistently shown exceptional prowess in qualifying. Leclerc’s impressive one-lap speed could pose a significant hurdle for Hamilton, especially as the Monegasque driver enters the 2025 season with an understanding of the Ferrari car that Hamilton is still developing. Matching Leclerc’s pace in qualifying will be a key test for Hamilton as he strives to make his mark in his first year with the Scuderia.
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