Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, is considered one of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history. However, since the dawn of the 2022 season, Hamilton’s results have been underwhelming compared to his illustrious past. Fans and critics alike have questioned why a driver of his caliber, with access to state-of-the-art machinery, hasn’t been able to replicate his previous success. Let’s dive into the factors that may explain Hamilton’s struggle to secure more podiums and championships post-2022.

One significant factor in Hamilton’s performance dip is the Mercedes cars’ lack of competitiveness since the regulation changes in 2022. The introduction of ground-effect aerodynamics reshaped the technical landscape, forcing teams to adapt quickly. Mercedes, dominant in the previous hybrid era, found itself battling porpoising issues with the W13.

The car’s bouncing significantly impacted its performance, leading to inconsistent lap times and poor race results. Although improvements were made in 2023 with the W14, the car remained a step behind the dominant Red Bull team. Hamilton’s driving style, known for its precision and adaptability, seemed at odds with the unpredictable nature of these new machines.

The 2022 regulation overhaul aimed to promote closer racing and level the playing field. While some teams, like Red Bull, thrived under the new rules, Mercedes struggled to find its footing. Hamilton, accustomed to driving near-perfect cars during Mercedes’ era of dominance, has faced challenges in adapting to machinery that requires a different approach.

Hamilton’s preferred driving style emphasizes late braking and aggressive cornering. However, the W13 and W14 demanded a smoother, more conservative style to extract maximum performance. These technical mismatches have limited his ability to maximize the car’s potential.

Some fans argue that Hamilton’s current predicament is partly due to missed opportunities during his peak years. With a dominant car at his disposal from 2014 to 2021, Hamilton secured seven championships but could arguably have achieved more.

Critics point to moments such as the 2016 season, where teammate Nico Rosberg edged him out for the title, and races where strategic errors cost him victories. If Hamilton had capitalized on all the opportunities presented to him, his tally of trophies could easily be 20% higher. This hypothetical dominance would have cemented his legacy even further, leaving no room for debate about his status as the greatest of all time.

The post-2022 seasons have witnessed the rise of new stars and intensified competition. Max Verstappen, now a three-time World Champion, has emerged as Hamilton’s fiercest rival. Verstappen’s Red Bull RB19 is not only fast but also consistent, making it nearly unbeatable in 2023.

Additionally, younger drivers like Lando Norris, George Russell, and Charles Leclerc have showcased their talent, making the fight for podiums more competitive. Hamilton, now in his late 30s, faces the dual challenge of battling younger, hungrier drivers while adapting to less favorable machinery.

Mercedes’ team strategy has also come under scrutiny during this period. Decisions made on tire choices, pit stop timings, and race tactics have occasionally left Hamilton at a disadvantage. Furthermore, the rise of George Russell as a strong teammate has added internal competition.

While Russell secured Mercedes’ sole win in 2022, Hamilton has had to balance mentoring his younger teammate with maintaining his own competitive edge. This shift in team dynamics may have also played a role in his recent performances.

After achieving so much in the sport, Hamilton’s motivation has been questioned. The controversial ending to the 2021 season, where he narrowly lost the championship to Verstappen, may have taken a toll on his mental state. Coming so close to an unprecedented eighth title only to have it slip away in contentious circumstances could impact any athlete’s drive.

However, Hamilton remains vocal about his passion for racing and his desire to secure another title. His off-track commitments, including activism and fashion ventures, might suggest a shift in priorities, but they also highlight his resilience and versatility as an individual.

While the past two seasons have been challenging for Hamilton, his legacy as one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers remains intact. The sport’s ever-changing nature means that no team or driver stays on top forever. However, with Mercedes showing signs of improvement and Hamilton’s determination unwavering, a comeback is never out of the question.

Hamilton’s ability to adapt, coupled with potential upgrades to the Mercedes car, could see him return to winning ways. Whether he adds another championship to his tally or not, his impact on Formula 1 is undeniable.

Fans will be watching closely in 2024, hoping to see Hamilton once again standing atop the podium. For now, the question remains: can he turn the tide and make the most of the tools at his disposal? Only time will tell.