Eddie Jordan Sparks Debate: Is Lewis Hamilton’s Reign as F1’s King Truly Over?

The Formula 1 world has been set alight with controversy as former team boss Eddie Jordan delivered a scathing verdict on Lewis Hamilton’s future in the sport. Claiming that Hamilton’s time at the pinnacle is over, Jordan advised Ferrari to reconsider their blockbuster deal for 2025, calling the move a gamble on a driver whose confidence, consistency, and focus appear to be unraveling. With Hamilton enduring one of his most challenging seasons in 2024, the debate over whether the seven-time world champion is past his prime has dominated paddock conversations.

Hamilton’s struggles in 2024 paint a stark contrast to his past dominance. The numbers tell the story: teammate George Russell has outqualified and outperformed Hamilton consistently, leading their intra-team battle 18-5. At the Qatar Grand Prix, Russell’s half-second advantage in sprint qualifying underscored the growing gulf between the two. Hamilton’s candid admission post-session—“I’m just slow”—sent shockwaves through the F1 community, as did his faint smile and chilling remark, “I’m definitely not fast anymore,” during a later interview.

For Eddie Jordan, these comments signaled a turning point. On his podcast, Formula for Success, Jordan declared, “When you hear a champion doubt themselves, even a little, it’s over. Lewis Hamilton, the Lewis I knew, was all about belief and proving doubters wrong. That spark seems gone, and without it, you can’t compete at this level.” Jordan also warned Ferrari against banking on a comeback story, likening Hamilton’s decline to Sergio Pérez’s waning performances at Red Bull.

Jordan’s critique extended beyond Hamilton’s driving to his off-track ventures. A passionate advocate for fashion, music, and social justice, Hamilton’s commitments outside F1 have grown significantly in recent years. While they’ve cemented his status as a global icon, Jordan argued they’ve detracted from the singular focus needed to remain competitive. “You can’t do everything,” Jordan said. “At some point, something has to give, and right now, it looks like it’s his driving.”

Hamilton’s woes cannot be entirely separated from Mercedes’ struggles. Since the 2022 regulation changes, the once-dominant team has failed to deliver a car capable of consistently competing with Red Bull. The 2024 car showed some improvement, but issues with straight-line speed and inconsistent handling have left Hamilton visibly frustrated. While Russell has adapted better to the car’s quirks, Hamilton has struggled to find his groove, compounding his challenges.

The 2024 season has also been marred by rare but glaring mistakes from Hamilton, including penalties for a jump start and speeding in the pit lane during the Qatar Grand Prix. These uncharacteristic errors have fueled speculation that the immense pressure of declining form and increasing criticism may be affecting his decision-making. For a driver whose reputation was built on precision and resilience, such lapses have been difficult for fans and analysts to reconcile.

Despite Jordan’s warnings, Ferrari appears undeterred. Team boss Frédéric Vasseur, who shares a long-standing relationship with Hamilton, remains confident in the Briton’s ability to deliver. Citing Hamilton’s stunning recovery drive from P10 to P2 in Las Vegas, Vasseur dismissed concerns about his form as overblown. “That’s not a driver who’s lost it,” Vasseur said. “Lewis is still one of the best, and his experience could be invaluable to Ferrari.”

However, Jordan remains unconvinced. “One great drive doesn’t make a season,” he said. “Ferrari needs a driver who can lead the team every weekend. Right now, Lewis doesn’t look like that driver.”

As Hamilton prepares for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final chapter of his historic partnership with Mercedes looms large. The race will not only be a test of his current abilities but also a statement about his legacy. Can he deliver a performance that silences critics and reminds the world of his greatness, or will the shadows of 2024 overshadow his illustrious career?

The stakes have rarely been higher. For Hamilton, this isn’t just about a single race; it’s about proving that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. For Ferrari, it’s about ensuring their investment isn’t a miscalculation. As the lights go out in Abu Dhabi, the world will be watching every move of the sport’s most decorated driver, asking: Is this the beginning of a grand resurgence or the poignant end of an era?