'Vintage' Hamilton endorsed as genuine title contender: 'Never write the seven-time champ off'

Recently, we asked whether you believe the seven-time world champion has what it takes to fight for the title this season, despite Mercedes still being widely regarded as the benchmark on the grid. An overwhelming 92% of respondents answered yes, expressing confidence in Hamilton's championship credentials, while just 8% felt the Ferrari driver does not have what it takes to challenge for the crown.

The optimism was reflected in the comments left by GPBlog readers. 'Never write off the seven-time champ,' wrote one user, suggesting that a driver of Hamilton's calibre can never truly be counted out.

'Fair play, that was vintage Lewis. Aggressive three-stop strategy, nailed the tyre phases, and the VSC didn't gift it, it just made it cleaner. Mercedes had no answer and McLaren fell asleep on strategy again. The title fight isn't done if he keeps this pace,' added another.

After eight races, the Briton sits 41 points behind Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings. The Italian saw his advantage reduced in Barcelona after a costly retirement, although he still retains a healthy lead at the top. Hamilton's margin over Russell, meanwhile, stands at just nine points, but the fact he is ahead of one of the Mercedes drivers is further proof of the impressive season he has put together so far.

Former Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has come to Hamilton's defence, questioning the criticism directed at the Ferrari driver during the most difficult phase of his time with the Scuderia. The Canadian argued that a challenging period should not automatically lead to calls for retirement, particularly for a driver who remains motivated and eager to compete.

Villeneuve suggested that many fans become uncomfortable when they see their sporting heroes struggling, preferring to remember them at their absolute peak rather than watching them battle through adversity. In his view, those opinions often overlook the mindset of elite athletes, who are driven by competition and the desire to keep improving regardless of setbacks.

The 1997 world champion also pointed out that Hamilton was never among the slowest drivers on the grid, even during his toughest moments. Instead, he believes the seven-time world champion was dealing with a combination of factors that prevented him from performing at his best, including difficulties in adapting to his new environment and extracting the maximum from the car. According to Villeneuve, Hamilton's recent return to form demonstrates that his talent never disappeared and that persistence ultimately paid off.