Ex-F1 Driver Declares Lewis Hamilton ‘Too Old’ Amid Dismal Ferrari Run

Former Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine pointed out that age might be taking its toll on Lewis Hamilton.

Ex-F1 Driver Declares Lewis Hamilton ‘Too Old’ Amid Dismal Ferrari Run

Lewis Hamilton (via Getty)

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Lewis Hamilton‘s Ferrari campaign has been nothing short of a disaster. The seven-time world champion had high ambitions for his stint at Maranello. However, after over half of the season done, The Briton has virtually nothing to show for. Now, former Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine has hinted that perhaps age is taking a toll on the F1 legend.

The seven-time world champion joined Maranello after a couple of disappointing seasons at Mercedes. Lewis Hamilton hoped that the Prancing Horse could help him rediscover his mojo. Yet, the 40-year-old has failed to live up to expectations with no podiums to his name. He even called himself absolutely useless in Hungary. Albeit, Hamilton did clinch a sprint win in China.

Eddie Irvine reckoned that the problem with Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari might actually be his age. At 40, Hamilton is the second oldest driver on the grid, only behind 44-year-old Fernando Alonso. The British driver might finally be out of his prime in F1. Though, Irvine pointed out that one can never underestimate the Ferrari driver. After all, the 40-year-old won seven world titles at the pinnacle of motorsport.

Problem with Lewis, he came a bit too old. But he won seven World Championships, so there’s always a price.

Eddie Irvine told Sky Sports F1

Moreover, Irvine pointed out a classic Ferrari problem in F1. The Prancing Horse is the only team based out of Maranello, and one of the select few outside Britain. Racing Bulls also runs from Faenza, Italy, but it is becoming more synergized with Red Bull’s Milton Keynes campus. The situation makes it much more difficult for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari. Other teams all have facilities in the UK, allowing for ‘cross pollination’ according to Irvine.

It’s very difficult, Ferrari, because they’re on their own in Italy. The British teams are all surrounded by other teams, and there’s cross pollination. It’s so much different, more difficult to be on your own down in Maranello. That’s it. It’s always more difficult for Ferrari.

Eddie Irvine added

Max Verstappen tipped to join Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari

Max Verstappen is arguably the best driver on the grid at the moment. Similar to Lewis Hamilton, the Dutchman witnessed his own period of dominance. Though critics would argue that the 27-year-old is still at the peak of his form unlike the seven-time world champion.

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen (via Getty)
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen (via Getty)

Eddie Irvine insisted that he would be delighted to see Max Verstappen ditch Red Bull for Ferrari in the future. The former F1 driver hinted that perhaps Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton could form a solid driver line-up. However, Irvine admitted that the Dutchman shouldn’t delay such a move for the later stages of his career like Hamilton.

I would love Verstappen to come to Ferrari. I think the two of them together would be sensational. I hope he doesn’t leave it too late like Lewis did.

Eddie Irvine explained

Certainly, Max Verstappen could be what Ferrari needs to win in F1. Unlike Lewis Hamilton, the Red Bull star remains motivated as ever to perform, with age playing no role. Although, Verstappen is simply content at Milton Keynes and has made it clear that he is not leaving his team anytime soon.

Read More: Ex-FIA Steward Declares Max Verstappen Can ‘Make the Difference’ at Ferrari