LEWIS HAMILTON has been brutally told he is “past his prime” by former F1 driver Michael Bleekemolen.
At 74 years old the Dutchman still competes in the NASCAR Whelan Euro Series.
Hamilton has endured a miserable start to his final season as a Mercedes driver currently in P9 going into the Chinese Grand Prix.
The 39-year-old’s rocky start to the season has sparked doubts about his upcoming transfer to Ferrari.
Especially with Carlos Sainz’s impressive performances including two third-place finishes and a Grand Prix win in just three races.
And Bleekemolen expressed doubt about the mentality of the seven-time world champion and does not think he will be able to compete for a World Championship with Ferrari.
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Giving his verdict on Hamilton’s 2024 season to RacingNews365, Bleekemolen said: “It’s all coming together just a little bit badly. I think he’s had his best time a bit.
“It’s not right between his ears either. I don’t see much good in him anymore.”
Asked if the move to Ferrari will help Hamilton return to the podium Bleekemolen continued: “Maybe he’ll end up in the top two, three again, that could just happen.
“It’s not going to be easy, but it would be nice. I just don’t think it’s going to happen.”
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The veteran racer ruled out any hopes of an eighth World Championship for Hamilton saying “no” when asked if the British driver will move ahead of Michael Schumacher in the record books.
Bleekemolen who made one Grand Prix start for ATS Racing in 1978 struggled to predict what life would be like when Hamilton made a move to Ferrari.
The seven-time World Champ is set to join forces with Charles Leclerc at Maranello, one of the top qualifiers in recent F1 history and a five-time Grand Prix winner.
He added: “Who will be number one? You often see over the course of a few races.
“At the moment, Sainz is also sort of number one. It’s hard to estimate, but everyone fights for themselves in the end.
“It’s the same within such a team. And they really do understand, that when you start winning races or consistently finish on the podium.
“You always have an advantage over someone who only finishes fourth, fifth, sixth.”
Inside track on Hamilton’s life
LEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
