“Age is incredibly important in racing,” Former F1 driver, Jacky Ickx doubts whether Lewis Hamilton will rise again

“Age is incredibly important in racing,” Former F1 driver, Jacky Ickx doubts whether Lewis Hamilton will rise again

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes had an extremely poor start to the season, relative to Mercedes’ previous performances. The team which won 8 constructors’ championships saw their cars go back to the grid, where Hamilton’s car even failed to qualify in the top 10 in Saudi Arabia. 

This is a major setback that the silver arrow of Lewis Hamilton has faced, the team and most people have blamed it on the car, because of the violent porpoising that the car is facing. 

Watch: Mercedes has the PORPOISING SOLUTION!

FS Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iCEHChunhA

However, even if the car is violent to drive, George Russell, signed recently by Mercedes, has been performing much better than Lewis Hamilton. Some have suggested this is because Russell has driven a low powered Williams for a very long time, so even a bad Mercedes is better than that; on the other hand, Lewis Hamilton has been driving the best car on the grid for a very long time, making the W13 a challenge for him.

Also read: “I think calling it a diva is an understatement,” George Russell disagrees with Toto Wolff

Former F1 driver Jacky Ickx has suggested that Hamilton crossed his prime.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton

Jacky Ickx, a former F1 driver has stated that age plays a major role in Formula 1, and maybe Hamilton is past his prime time. 

“Age is incredibly important in racing. You can’t beat a Verstappen, Leclerc or Norris if you are already over your top,” said Ickx, quoted by GPBlog. 

However, the former driver is not sure that Hamilton is past his prime, as he also stated that Hamilton is trying very hard, which is much more important in his opinion. 

“What is important is that he still wants to fight. He will definitely win some more races, but he doesn’t have the time on his side.”

Post the Miami GP, Lewis Hamilton stands 6th in the championship, with 36 points, and his teammate stands 4th with 59 points. 

Mercedes stand 3rd in the constructors’ championship with 95 points. 

Also read: “I couldn’t wish for a better driver pair.”: Toto Wolff satisfied with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton pairing up for Mercedes

Also read: “I want to try and win more”: Max Verstappen speaks about going for a second World Championship title in 2022