Google News Helmut Marko: Lewis Hamilton can't continue at this level for long
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Red Bull sports adviser Helmut Marco says Lewis Hamilton won’t be able to maintain his current level of performance for long because of his age, but adds that the Briton was fantastic in the second half of the 2021 season.
The seven-time world champion has fought wheel-to-wheel for almost every race for the title with Max Verstappen over the past year, and that fight ended in controversial final laps in Abu Dhabi. The Red Bull adviser was impressed with what Hamilton achieved in the season, especially in the second part, where he won several races in a row.
"He did a great second part of the season," Marko told the Austrian OE24. However, considering that Hamilton recently turned 37, the Austrian believes that the British's age will eventually start to affect his ability to drive.
“I can’t imagine that he can continue to drive at this high level for long. He has now reached his top level, but at some point, his age will come into play, ”he added. Marko added that he believes that after winning his first title, Max Verstappen, he will continue to progress as a driver.
"Max is now the world champion and will only be stronger," says the advisor to the Austrian team.
Lewis Hamilton and Helmut Marko
Despite Marko’s comments, Hamilton spoke during recent pre-season testing in Barcelona about how he still feels great.
During the winter break, there has been much speculation about whether the Mercedes driver will return to Formula 1 for the 2022 season, following the events at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but Hamilton says he still loves his job to retire.
“I committed to the team earlier in the season,” Lewis explained, referring to a contract he signed in 2021 that will keep him at Mercedes until the end of 2023. “In the end, I love what I do. I love being part of a team.
I like to work with everyone - and I have said this many times - towards a common goal. I feel really good, why should I leave? ” "Of course, dealing with… There are so many different ways you can redirect and focus, and I'd say this was one of the best I've experienced." Lewis Hamilton will have a huge motive this season to take revenge for what happened in Abu Dhabi and he is seen to be particularly focused as never before. Will that be enough for a title in strong competition? It remains to be seen