F1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart believes that Lewis Hamilton has "serious problems" as the seven-time world champion is no longer driving a winning car, but also because he thinks that the hunger to win has departed the Briton.
Hamilton is in the midst of a second winless season in F1, with the Mercedes driver's most recent triumph in the sport going back to the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The Brackley squad's successive ground-effect designs that it has fielded since F1's regulation overhaul at the start of 2022 have weighed on the former championship winning team's results.
Progress this year has been real, but Mercedes' W14 is still no match for Red Bull's dominant RB19.
Hamilton hopes to return to the top of grid in 2024 to vie for a record eighth world crown in F1, but Stewart now doubts that the 103-time Grand Prix winner's effort to reach that remarkable landmark will prove successful.
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"First of all, Lewis is one of the best ever to drive in Formula 1, but the truth is that over the past decade he has raced with Mercedes, for a team that virtually had no competition," Stewart told Germany's BILD.
"Lewis's only real competitors during that time were his respective teammates. Up until 2016, he always emerged victorious from the duels.
"And then he lost to Nico Rosberg. With all due respect, he's a good driver, but not the most talented in the world.
"But Rosberg was just hungry, he had the absolute will to become world champion. Lewis isn't that hungry anymore. Because of that – and because the car is no longer quite as potent – he has serious problems."
Stewart reckons that only a superior car produced by Mercedes will allow Hamilton a real shot at a record eighth title.
"It also depends on Mercedes," added the Scot. "It's not impossible, but I still don't think he'll make it."
At just 25, one could argue that Max Verstappen still has a margin to develop as a driver. But Stewart thinks the Flying Dutchman is already at his peak given how young he was when he made his debut in F1.
"Typically, drivers develop by their late twenties. But to be honest, I don't see much room for improvement with Verstappen.
"It doesn't matter whether it's raining, windy or hot - Max gets the absolute maximum out of the car everywhere.
"But one must not forget that he is not a normal 25-year-old. He has been driving in Formula 1 since he was 17 and is much more experienced than others his age."
As for Verstappen's unwavering dominance, which many claim is putting F1 fans to sleep on Sundays, Stewart begs to differ.
"I don't find it boring at all, the entertainment factor is huge!" asserted the three-time F1 world champion. "Sure, the world championship is decided, but behind it's close.
"If Max wasn't having such a good season, there would be a three-way battle between Sergio Pérez, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. Three drivers from three different teams. That's what the fans want to see!"
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