Lewis Hamilton warned over 'final chance' at historic eighth F1 title

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.”