Questions have been asked about whether Lewis Hamilton is declining as he turns 40 (Image: Getty Images)
has expressed concerns that Lewis Hamilton’s “peak” could be a thing of the past as the British Formula One icon gears up to chase a title with his new team, .
Hamilton, who turned 40 on Tuesday, marked the start of his tenure with in January after his departure from .
As he prepares for his competitive debut for the Scuderia in March, Hamilton is eyeing an eighth world title before bowing out of F1, a feat that would require breaking more records.
The last time a driver over 40 won a race was when Nigel Mansell triumphed at the 1994 Australian Grand Prix, and Jack Brabham remains the most recent champion in his 40s, having secured his third title in 1966.
Last season, doubts were cast over whether Hamilton still possesses his peak form as he was consistently outperformed by then-team-mate , both in qualifying and race finishes, with Russell also securing a higher position in the championship standings.
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Despite concluding his stint with a commendable fourth-place finish in Abu Dhabi, which included a stunning final-lap overtake on Russell, Sky Sports F1 analyst Brundle suggests that the seven-time world champion might have passed his prime.
Brundle said: “Tremendous drive, a bit like Las Vegas as well, wasn’t it? Where he came back through the field and just showed a lot of pace, a lot of determination.
“Plenty of people [are asking], ‘Is Lewis over the hill? Is his peak ahead of him or behind him? ‘ His absolute peak, it might be behind him as he turns 40 in January.”
This view is not isolated, as Eddie Jordan, a former F1 team owner, has also expressed concern, dubbing ‘s choice to replace with Hamilton as “suicidal”.
Jordan elaborated on his Formula For Success podcast: “[Team principal] Fred Vasseur had a real opportunity to bring this team great, great success.
Martin Brundle fears Lewis Hamilton’s peak may now be in the past (Image: Getty Images)
“Now he has to start thinking about gelling and mending away, that he can get a new member of the team, egos, everything involved.”
Despite doubts around the decision, Jordan acknowledged Hamilton’s personality: “Lewis is a particularly nice person. I’m not sure there’s many nicer people on the grid than , so I don’t think he’ll have a problem there.
“However, my FFS goes to John Elkann of for even authorising, signing off on that deal. It was absolutely suicidal to get rid of Carlos.”
Elsewhere within the paddock, Flavio Briatore, Alpine special adviser, bluntly stated: “I wouldn’t have signed Lewis” had he been at the helm of .
Felipe Massa, ex- driver, similarly indicated that Hamilton’s age would lead him to reconsider any plans of partnering him with Charles Leclerc for the future races.