Nico Rosberg has raised doubts about whether his former Mercedes teammate, Lewis Hamilton, is losing his competitive edge due to the inevitable effects of age.
Hamilton’s high-profile switch to Ferrari has yet to deliver the expected results, with the seven-time world champion trailing teammate Charles Leclerc in performance and also on points.
Rosberg, who beat Hamilton to the world title in 2016, points to the Briton’s recent struggles as a continuation of a dip observed in his final Mercedes season, prompting speculation about whether the 40-year-old’s peak years are now clearly behind him.
“It's a little bit of a continuation of the form from last year, where already there was a bit of a dip there and George had the upper hand and was beating him at Mercedes and also finished ahead in the points,” Rosberg said, speaking in Sky F1.
“It's just a little bit lacking here and there, especially at ultimate pace in qualifying. We know Charles is an incredible qualifier, so Lewis has to find a little bit more there.”
Rosberg acknowledged that even the best drivers eventually begin to slow down – a natural consequence of age in such a physically and mentally demanding sport.
“Even if he's the greatest of all time, at some point you are going to get a little bit slower and that's age related,” he continued. “And when you're 40, it's gonna happen sooner rather than later.
So the question is whether that age has come, where you start to get a little bit slower.
“Even a tenth or something makes a huge difference in this sport, especially when you're up against some of the greatest from the new generation, which is Charles Leclerc, who's considered one of the absolute best qualifiers down there.”
While Rosberg questioned Hamilton’s performance ceiling, he was unequivocal in his praise for Max Verstappen, who remains in the championship fight despite Red Bull being frequently outpaced by McLaren this season.
“I've said for a while that he's moved himself into the top five greatest of all time in this sport alongside Lewis, Schumacher, Senna and Fangio and he's showing it again this year because this car has not been good at all and he's still in the championship fight and taking wins off that McLaren,” Rosberg said.
“Phenomenal job by Verstappen so far.”
As Hamilton seeks to close the gap to Leclerc and prove age is just a number, the scrutiny from those who know him best – like Rosberg – will only intensify.
Whether he can summon another title-worthy run remains to be seen, but questions about whether his peak has passed are growing louder.
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