As Formula One’s ‘silly season’ gathers pace, speculation continues to swirl around Lewis Hamilton’s future, with the possibility of him joining Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
Amidst the contract uncertainty at Mercedes, ‘renowned Formula One expert’ and former team principal Eddie Jordan looks at the dynamics of Hamilton’s potential partnership with Verstappen.
Sharing his insights on the Formula For Success podcast, Jordan suggests that Hamilton’s age may hinder his ability to compete at the same level as his younger rival.
Hamilton Verstappen rivarlary
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion, is a name synonymous with Formula 1 success. Hailing from the United Kingdom, Hamilton burst onto the scene in 2007 with McLaren, finishing just one point behind Kimi Räikkönen in his rookie season. Since then, he has rewritten the record books, clinching title after title with Mercedes, a team that has come to dominate the sport in the hybrid era.
On the other side of the ring is Max Verstappen, a prodigious talent from the Netherlands who entered the sport with Red Bull Racing in 2015 at the age of 17, making him the youngest driver in Formula 1 history. Verstappen’s aggressive driving style, combined with his raw speed and tenacity, earned him recognition as a future champion from the outset.
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2021 Formula 1: A defining year of F1
The showdown between Hamilton and Verstappen reached its peak during the 2021 season, as both drivers went head-to-head for the World Championship title. It was a battle of generations, with the experienced and seasoned Hamilton seeking to fend off the young and hungry Verstappen. Race after race, the two traded blows, each showcasing their unique strengths and pushing the other to their limits.
The rivalry climaxed in dramatic fashion during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Verstappen and Hamilton collided on the opening lap, sending Verstappen’s car into the barriers. The incident divided opinions, with some believing it was a racing incident while others argued about responsibility. This collision added an intense layer of controversy and intrigue to their battle for supremacy.
The 2021 season was defined by its unpredictability. Verstappen and Red Bull emerged as the strongest challengers to Mercedes’ dominance. Verstappen’s victories in Monaco, France, and Austria signaled his intent, while Hamilton’s experience shone through in crucial races like the British Grand Prix and the Dutch Grand Prix.
And then, we all know how the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix went…
Aside from their on-track prowess, Hamilton and Verstappen’s personalities further fuel the rivalry. Hamilton, the charismatic and socially conscious champion, has used his platform to advocate for change and equality. Verstappen, meanwhile, represents a fearless and audacious approach, unafraid to challenge the status quo.
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Hamilton too old?
Skipping to 2023, Verstappen’s current team-mate is Sergio Perez, whose contract expires in 2024, speculation about his replacement is rife with some saying Hamilton could be that very team mate for the Dutch driver.
With Hamilton’s Mercedes contract expiring at the end of the current season, he is a natural candidate for Red Bull. However, Jordan believes that Hamilton’s age – he is now 38 – may make such a move untenable.
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Verstappen Hamilton head to head
In a conversation with former F1 driver and colleague David Coulthard on the Formula For Success podcast, Jordan is asked if Hamilton can “go head-to-head” with Verstappen given his age.
Jordan’s answer sums up his view: “Yes. I think he will still win Grand Prix, but he needs certain things to be right with him. Max is in the sweet spot of age, experience, belief, knowledge, the people he’s been around with the team and I think in the same car, right now as we speak, with the same age, it has to be Max.”
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Coulthard counters with a defence of Hamilton, suggesting that the experienced driver still has his competitive edge:
“I think Lewis still has it. If they were in the same team, there would be some contact. It would be Prost-Senna…”
However, when asked by Jordan who has the upper hand, Coulthard concedes: “Look, I’ve got to say that Max has got to have the edge. Lewis seems to be a busy boy off the track with all his passions. And as we know, when Max is away from the track, he’s very focused on his simulator, his e-gaming team, and he’s totally immersed in everything that has to do with driving.”
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Raw emotion and tears, 'Estie Bestie' on the podium, and some trophy-winning dance moves 🕺😆
What's been your favourite celebration in 2023 thus far? 👀#F1 pic.twitter.com/sOemmYh5fe
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 16, 2023
Wake up Eddie, Fernando has shown that age is not a factor. Hamilton just not have the talent and skill to compete with Max.
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The age is not the weakness. The weak spot his/are all Hamilton’s other ineterests which are a distraction. F1 is not a fashion show or a political soapbox, it is about driving and winning above absolutely everything.
And another weakness… (some may call it strength). Hamilton had soo much luck during his whole career. His first WDC title (ask Massa)… The Mercedes car…. and the numerous occasions where he got away without deserved punishment.
“Luck”, what an insult