31/05/2025 10:30
Nico Rosberg has suggested Lewis Hamilton's age is beginning to
impact his form in F1. The seven-time champion endured a difficult
run across his final years at Mercedes following his run of title
success with the Brackley-based squad. Hamilton opted to join
Ferrari this season for a fresh challenge but has found himself
out-paced by team-mate Charles Leclerc in the opening phase of the
campaign. Rosberg noted similarities between Hamilton's deficit to
Leclerc and his gap to former Mercedes team-mate George Russell.
"It's a little bit of a continuation of the form last year, where
already there was a bit of a dip and George had the upper hand,"
Rosberg told Sky F1 . "He also finished ahead in the points. Now
it's kind of continued, a little bit lacking here and there,
especially [with] ultimate pace in qualifying. "We know Charles is
an incredible qualifier, so Lewis has to find a little bit more
there." Lewis Hamilton age struggles will happen 'sooner rather
than later' At 40 years of age, Hamilton is currently the second
oldest driver on the grid, trailing only Fernando Alonso. With 364
grand prix events to his name, Hamilton is second most experienced
driver of all-time, with Alonso being the only driver to breach the
400 race figure. While Alonso has continued to show F1 promise
despite nearing his mid-40s, Rosberg hinted Hamilton's drop-off
could have arrived earlier than the Spaniard's. "Even the greatest
of all time, at some point, you are going to get a little bit
slower," Rosberg said. "That's age-related. "When you're 40, it's
going to happen sooner rather than later. So the question is
whether that age has come where you start to get a little bit
slower. "Even a tenth or something makes a huge difference in this
sport, especially when you're up against some of the greatest from
the new generation, which is Charles Leclerc, who's considered one
of the absolute best qualifiers out there."
