As Lewis Hamilton celebrates his 40th birthday today, he reflects on a career that has already secured his place among Formula 1’s greatest drivers. However, with the milestone age now upon him, the question remains: Does he have another championship in him?
Three years ago, Hamilton firmly stated that he wouldn’t continue racing beyond his thirties. Yet, like other legendary drivers before him—such as Fernando Alonso, who continues to defy expectations by racing into his fifth decade—the seven-time world champion has defied his own predictions.
In fact, Hamilton’s decision to move to Ferrari in 2025 marks a new chapter in his career, leaving Mercedes after a long and successful stint with the team. This move came after Mercedes struggled to adapt to F1’s new technical regulations, with Hamilton publicly expressing frustration over the team’s inability to improve their W13 chassis. Despite Mercedes making leadership adjustments with Toto Wolff and technical director James Allison both extending their commitments, Hamilton made the bold choice to seek greener pastures at Ferrari.
Hamilton’s decision also coincides with the rise of Frederic Vasseur, who has made a strong impact since becoming Ferrari’s team principal in 2022. Vasseur, who helped guide Hamilton to the GP2 championship in 2006, has brought a calming influence to Ferrari, helping the team regain competitive form. With Ferrari finishing 2024 strong, winning three of the final nine races and securing second place in the constructors’ championship, Hamilton could find himself in a competitive position from the very start of his Ferrari career.
However, questions remain about whether Hamilton, now 40 years old, can continue to compete at the highest level. Last season with Mercedes, while the team made some progress with their W15 car, Hamilton struggled to consistently adapt, especially in qualifying, where he was outpaced by teammate George Russell. This trend has raised concerns about Hamilton’s ability to match the pace of younger drivers, particularly when he faces off against Ferrari’s star driver, Charles Leclerc—a one-lap specialist who has been a formidable opponent.
The transition to Ferrari will also present its own challenges. Hamilton must adjust to a new car, a new race engineer (after 12 years working with his long-time engineer, Bono), and a new team environment. Pre-season testing will be tightly controlled, and although Hamilton will have some seat time in an older Ferrari car, adapting to the team’s operations will take time.
Ultimately, Hamilton’s chances of winning an eighth world championship will hinge on the quality of the Ferrari car. With the field narrowing and more teams becoming competitive, Hamilton’s path to another title is far from guaranteed. However, if Ferrari provides him with a championship-winning car, the opportunity to claim that elusive eighth title is very real.
Even if Hamilton does not win another championship, his legacy as one of F1’s all-time greats is secure. A successful run with Ferrari, especially at the age of 40, would add to his illustrious career and make him the first driver to win a title at 40 since Jack Brabham, almost 60 years ago.
As Hamilton moves into the next phase of his career, all eyes will be on how he performs in the new red colors. Whether or not he adds another championship to his name, one thing is certain—his place in F1 history is already cemented.
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