Lewis Hamilton is dreaming of his eighth world title in Formula 1. The problem: Mercedes is still lagging behind its big competitor Red Bull this season. The former F1 managing director Bernie Ecclestone believes his compatriot can still have many strong years in the motorsport premier class.
After the first three races of the current Formula 1 season, Lewis Hamilton is already 31 points behind leader Max Verstappen. It is extremely unlikely that the 38-year-old will grab his eighth world title this season and become the sole record champion.
Bernie Ecclestone also believes in Verstappen’s third World Cup triumph. The former managing director of Formula 1 revealed this in an exclusive interview RTL/ntv and sport.de.
The Dutchman does “the best job”. “He has the best car, the best team and he drives really well,” said Ecclestone in an interview with Felix Görner.
The 92-year-old feels sorry for Hamilton. “He can’t do what he hoped for – win his eighth world title,” said Ecclestone.
“He drives really, really well. He’s unlucky to drive against someone who’s fast,” said the Briton, looking at Hamilton’s competitor Verstappen.
How long will Lewis Hamilton continue in Formula 1?
Ecclestone still believes the Mercedes driver is capable of the eighth stroke. In this context, the longtime Formula 1 boss referred to Fernando Alonso, who is currently experiencing his third spring at the age of 41.
“Why shouldn’t Lewis go on for four or five years?” Ecclestone asked, adding: “He’s an intelligent and fantastic driver. He’s doing a good job.” Hamilton had “luck and bad luck” in his career.
The Silver Arrow driver has won the Formula 1 World Championship seven times in his career, putting him on a par with Michael Schumacher.
