Ex-F1 driver Eddie Irvine believes that Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton will never again reach their former level of dominance, adding that the Briton is unlikely to claim an eighth world title.
The extraordinary supremacy enjoyed by Mercedes during eight years in F1 began at the inception of the hybrid era in the sport in 2014 thanks to the German manufacturer’s superior engine technology.
The Brackley squad’s forward march towards eight consecutive Constructors’ championships was paralleled by seven Drivers’ titles, with Hamilton claiming six world championships with Mercedes between 2014 and 2021, and teammate Nico Rosberg winning one title in 2016.
Unfortunately, Hamilton’s pursuit of an eighth Drivers' Championship was unexpectedly thwarted in 2021 when then-FIA race director Michael Masi made a controversial decision during a late Safety Car period in the final race of the season.
Since the return of F1 to ground effect machinery in 2022, Mercedes has been unable to hold its own at the top of the running order, surpassed by Red Bull Racing. Hamilton has not added to his tally of 103 race wins in the past two seasons, highlighting the team's decline.
Hamilton is contracted to Mercedes until the end of 2025, but Irvine suggests that the combo’s unparalleled success might be a thing of the past, with the likelihood of a resurgence appearing slim.
“The era of the triumphs of Hamilton and Mercedes is now over, but Lewis is still a very good driver, very focused on objectives and eager to obtain results,” the former Ferrari charger and four-time Grand Prix winner told Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He is still doing a great job behind the wheel of an F1 car.
“Also the comparison with Verstappen is very tough, because Max is younger, has a bit more speed and [has] enormous belief in his abilities.”
Irvine claims that Hamilton’s results this season will only be as good as the equipment provided to him by Mercedes.
“Hamilton’s prospects will depend on how competitive Mercedes will be in 2024,” added the
“With his experience, he has shown that he knows how to seize every opportunity that presents itself both in qualifying and in the race.
“However, I doubt he will be able to win the championship again, realizing his dream of winning his eighth title.”
Mercedes F1 team boss Toto Wolff recently extended his management contract with the German outfit, and the Austrian acknowledged that his determination to take on Red Bull and Max Verstappen played a significant role in his decision to continue leading his team.
“I’m staying at Mercedes to beat Red Bull with Lewis Hamilton,” Wolff told The Telegraph.
“Those who have driven in the simulator have told us that the 2024 car doesn’t look like the car of the last two years.
“If we give Hamilton a good car that he can rely on, he can get back in front of everyone.
“There is a reason Lewis is a seven-time world champion and has broken all the records… his ability is on a different level.
“If we are able to give him a car that he actually feels, that drives in a way that he can trust, he will be on the level that’s needed to win the championship. 39 is no age.”
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