Damon Hill says Lewis Hamilton has accepted the end of his peak years in F1

Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP via Getty Images

Damon Hill says Lewis Hamilton can’t rely on the same instincts he used to in his younger years. Now 41, the seven-time champion is the second-oldest driver in Formula One.

Just nine drivers have won a Grand Prix after turning 40. The last to do it was Nigel Mansell at the 1994 Australian Grand Prix.

It’s also been more than six decades since anyone over 40 won a world title, with Bruce McLaren being the last to do so. While Hamilton still chases an eighth championship, there are those who question if he’s still capable of reaching that level again.

Lewis Hamilton realises he’s nearing the end of his racing career

Hamilton managed to win at least one race in each of his first 15 seasons in F1, but that streak ended in 2022. And by 2025, he’d gone an entire year without even a single podium finish for the first time.

Some see these numbers as clear signs of a driver past his best. Hamilton has even admitted to self-doubt on occasion, once describing himself as ‘useless’ and suggesting Ferrari should consider replacing him.

But speaking on the Stay On Track podcast, Hill said Hamilton has now ‘come to terms’ with reality. He knows he’s no longer in his prime, but his demeanour has generally been far more positive this year.

The mood shift may have something to do with Ferrari’s progress this season. Hamilton finally broke his podium drought at last month’s Chinese GP and looked like a contender again during the Canadian race weekend.

“It seems to me that he’s come to terms with the fact that he’s at that end of his career and you simply can’t keep doing the instinctive things you do when you’re 20,” said Hill.

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