Johnny Herbert suggests Lewis Hamilton's peak form may be gone, raising retirement possibility

Johnny Herbert, a former F1 race winner, has delivered a stark assessment of Lewis Hamilton's future, suggesting the seven-time champion's old magic is "gone" and that a shock retirement should be a serious consideration. This follows Hamilton's first podium-less season in Formula 1, a difficult 2025 campaign with Ferrari marked by public frustration and a dramatic late-season slump.

Why it matters:

Hamilton is the sport's most successful driver statistically, and his prolonged struggle to adapt to Ferrari and recapture winning form represents a significant shift in the F1 landscape. Herbert's comments amplify the growing conversation about whether the 40-year-old can rediscover his peak performance ahead of the 2026 regulation changes, or if his legendary career is nearing its natural conclusion.

The details:

• Hamilton's 2025 season with Ferrari was his worst in grand prix racing, yielding no podiums and a best finish of fourth place. He scored only 156 points.
• The season ended with three consecutive Q1 eliminations—a first for Hamilton since 2009—culminating in Abu Dhabi where he stated he needed to "completely switch off" for the winter.
• Public frustration boiled over at times, with Hamilton calling himself "useless" after Hungarian GP qualifying and later describing the season as a "nightmare" in Brazil.
• Herbert pointed to Hamilton's demeanor in interviews, describing him as being in a "horrible dark place" that made for uncomfortable viewing, a stark contrast to his previously unflappable persona.

Between the lines:

Herbert's analysis goes beyond results, focusing on a perceived loss of the instinctual edge that defined Hamilton's dominance. He argues that tasks which once seemed effortless for Hamilton now appear "way harder," signaling a fundamental shift. The suggestion to have a family discussion about his future underscores the seriousness with which some in the paddock are viewing Hamilton's current trajectory. The core question is whether this is a temporary slump related to the Ferrari transition or an irreversible decline.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Hamilton's approach to the 2026 season. The sweeping new regulations offer a theoretical reset for every team and driver. His performance with the new-generation Ferrari will be the ultimate test of whether he can overcome the current challenges or if Herbert's grim prediction proves accurate. The winter break will be a critical period for reflection and regrouping for the champion.