Former F1 driver unsure on Hamilton eighth title

Former Formula 1 driver Eddie Irvine has weighed in on whether Lewis Hamilton will go on to take an eighth World Championship.

Irvine was teammates with Michael Schumacher during his time at Ferrari in 1999, with Hamilton being the only driver to eclipse his record of seven titles in F1.

Hamilton has been chasing an eighth championship since he was denied at the 2021 season finale, when a Safety Car discrepancy handed victory to title rival Max Verstappen.

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff firmly expects Hamilton to break the current record, despite the team going winless throughout the 2023 season.

Irvine: Hamilton prospects depends on 2024 car

Irvine expects it will be harder for Hamilton to achieve his goal of an eighth title before retiring from F1, depending on whether Mercedes can provide him with a race-winning car.

“The era of the triumphs of Hamilton and Mercedes is now over, but Lewis is still a very good driver, very focused on objectives and eager to obtain results,” said Irvine in La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“He is still doing a great job behind the wheel of an F1 car. Also the comparison with Verstappen is very tough, because Max is younger, has a bit more speed and enormous belief in his abilities.

"Hamilton’s prospects will depend on how competitive Mercedes will be in 2024. With his experience he has shown that he knows how to seize every opportunity that presents itself both in qualifying and in the race. However, I doubt he will be able to win the championship again, realizing his dream of winning his eighth title.”