30/04/2025 13:50
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert believes the 2026 campaign will be
Lewis Hamilton's last chance to secure an eighth F1 title. A
historic run of form in the opening years of the turbo hybrid era
saw Hamilton secure six championships in seven seasons, adding to
his 2008 triumph with McLaren. However, the Briton has struggled
for form across the last handful of years with Mercedes, who has
slipped back in the pecking order. Hamilton opted to move to
Ferrari for the 2025 campaign ahead of a major regulation overhaul
next year. With the changes to the chassis and power units creating
the chance of a mixed up pecking order, Herbert believes it will
offer Hamilton his final opportunity to secure a record-breaking
eighth championship. "I think 2026 is Lewis Hamilton's final chance
at getting the eighth championship," Herbert told AceOdds . "He's
40 years old now, is he in his prime? No. Has that prime past? Yes.
Is he still really good? Yes." Hamilton has joined Charles Leclerc
at the Maranello-based squad, with the Monegasque driver enjoying
his seventh season in red. Leclerc has largely had the upper hand
against Hamilton in the opening five rounds as the latter continues
to adjust to his surroundings. Herbert detailed Hamilton's route to
another title faces a significant threat from Leclerc, should
Ferrari move to the head of the pecking order. "Charles Leclerc is
better than Hamilton at the moment, so even if the Ferrari
improves, he needs to beat his team-mate."
