Lewis Hamilton 'has serious problems' as F1 star's mindset ripped apart
Lewis Hamilton has been scrutinised amid a difficult F1 season so far
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Sir Jackie Stewart believes Lewis Hamilton has 'serious problems' at Mercedes - despite the Brit recently signing a new two-year contract with the team.
It's been a rough season for the 38-year-old so far, with Max Verstappen dominating once again.
Hamilton endured a lacklustre Italian Grand Prix last weekend, finishing sixth behind George Russell, Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz Jr, Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen.
The Brit is adamant that brighter and better days lie ahead after vowing to race into his 40s.
F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart has concerns over Lewis Hamilton
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Yet Stewart, while full of praise for everything Hamilton has achieved in his career so far, has concerns about the Stevenage-born racer.
The 84-year-old believes Hamilton's mindset has changed and that he's lost the hunger he once possessed.
"First of all, Lewis is one of the best to ever drive in Formula One," he said.
"But the truth is that in the last decade he competed with Mercedes for a team that was virtually out of competition.
“During this time, Lewis only had one real competitor - his respective teammate.
"Except for 2016, he always emerged victorious from the duel.
“And then he lost to Nico Rosberg. With respect: a good driver, but not the most talented in the world. "But Rosberg was hungry and had the absolute will to become world champion. Lewis no longer has that hunger.
“Because of that - and because the car is no longer quite as powerful - he has serious problems.”
He added: "That [eighth title] also depends on Mercedes.
"It's not impossible, but I still don't think he'll be able to do it."
Hamilton was close to winning a record eighth F1 title back in 2021.
Yet he ended up missing out to Verstappen, with the Red Bull star reigning supreme following controversy with a safety car.
Hamilton's flat showing in Italy means he's still fourth in the standings, behind Verstappen, Perez and Fernando Alonso.
He has managed just four podiums this year compared to Verstappen's 14.
And the 38-year-old has also been able to pick up just 164 points, with Sainz Jr now breathing down his neck.
Speaking after the Italian GP, meanwhile, Hamilton took the blame after a collision with Oscar Piastri.
"I enjoyed the battle I had at the end," said the Silver Arrows star.
"It was a bit unfortunate and I misjudged the gap I had with Piastri right at the end.
"It was totally my fault and I went and apologised to him straight afterwards and we move on."
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff then said Hamilton should be commended for his 'sportsmanship' after accepting responsibility.
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Lewis Hamilton has struggled to keep pace with Max Verstappen in F1 this season
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"I think both penalties you can justify so we have to look at that and how we can prevent it in the future," said Wolff.
"He is very sportsmanlike with these things and he is the only one I see out there admitting that it was wrong.
"We just had a chat, he didn't see him on the right and that was on him.
"That type of sportsmanship is what you need to admire.
"Pretty much everyone is always complaining and moaning just to try to not get a penalty."
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