Hamilton not counted out in difficult period: 'He still has the spark'

12:03, 27 Aug

Updated: 12:09, 27 Aug

byLudo van Denderen

Much has already been said and written about Lewis Hamilton's strenuous season, with some suggesting that the seven-time world champion should retire. But James Hinchcliffe is certainly not writing off the Brit.

Hamilton managed to win a sprint race this season, which seems insufficient for a driver of his status. For Formula 1, it would be nice if Hamilton competed for the victories more often, says James Hinchcliffe in an exclusive interview with GPblog.

"He has a massive following. He's driving for the most celebrated team in the sport. I think Lewis being successful would be just incredible," says the Canadian.

During the Grand Prix weekend in Hungary, Hamilton openly doubted himself and even suggested that Ferrari should replace him. However, Hinchcliffe does not believe that the Brit's motivation is gone. "I think he still has the desire, he still has the spark. It all just comes down to whether or not he can get comfortable enough in this new environment to give the best out of himself."

Does Hamilton still 'have it'?

Hamilton the eighth-time champion?

Who knows what could be possible for Hamilton, if the regulations change and Ferrari potentially has the fastest car in the field. "The chances are whoever has the best car will have the best car by a good margin. And so it'll be those two drivers fighting," says Hinchcliffe.

If Ferrari is strong in '26, the Canadian driver could easily envision that Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will remain teammates for some time. "If it's pretty tight and you're a Ferrari, who do you get rid of that car? Do you get rid of Lewis, who might be winning his eighth championship, be the greatest of all time, all these things, and if he's winning, he's going to want to keep going. Do you get rid of Charles who has been your golden boy and you built the team around?" is Hinchcliffe's rhetorical question.