Hamilton given key career advice as F1 retirement talk gathers pace

The Briton is now in his 20th season in Formula 1, making him one of the most enduring drivers in the sport’s history and second only to Fernando Alonso on the current grid, all at the age of 41. The seven-time world champion took on a fresh challenge with Ferrari last year, leaving the team with which he had dominated over the previous twelve seasons. However, that move has yet to deliver the desired results, despite some early signs of progress at the start of this campaign.

Speaking on the Stay On Track podcast, Herbert suggested that if he were close to Hamilton, his advice would be to take an honest look at his situation, acknowledging that there comes a stage in a career where things no longer come as naturally as before and that maintaining the same level of competitiveness inevitably becomes more difficult.

Nelson Piquet Jr. has questioned whether Hamilton still carries the same level of drive in Formula 1, pointing to Alonso as a contrasting example. He highlighted the Spaniard's enduring competitiveness, praising him for maintaining the same intensity, speed and determination he showed earlier in his career.

He emphasised how Alonso continues to race with a level of motivation that has remained unchanged over the years, describing it as something rare and worthy of admiration. By comparison, Piquet Jr. suggested that Hamilton no longer displays that same edge, noting a perceived drop in the passion and hunger that once defined his approach, particularly when measured against Alonso, who is older yet still competing with remarkable drive.