Lewis Hamilton’s Era Is Collapsing—Can He Still Make a Comeback?

For over a decade, Lewis Hamilton was the most dominant driver in Formula 1. His seven world championships, countless records, and relentless drive made him a legend. No one could imagine an F1 world without Hamilton fighting for wins—until now.

At the 2024 Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton barely managed to crack the top 10, marking another low point in his declining career. Once a podium regular, now he struggles to keep pace with the new generation of drivers.

With Mercedes losing its competitive edge and a much-hyped move to Ferrari in 2025, many wonder: Is this the beginning of the end for Lewis Hamilton? Or can he silence the doubters with one final legendary comeback?

At the same time, Hamilton appears to be embracing a different lifestyle. From fashion events to rumored romantic escapades, his off-track distractions are raising eyebrows. Is he preparing for life beyond F1, or is this just a phase before he reignites his competitive fire?

Let’s break down the rise, fall, and uncertain future of one of F1’s greatest icons.

The Fall of a Champion: From Unstoppable to Struggling

The Golden Years: Hamilton’s Era of Total Domination

For much of the 2010s, Lewis Hamilton was untouchable. After winning his first title in 2008 with McLaren, he joined Mercedes in 2013, a move that would redefine F1 history.

From 2014 to 2021, Hamilton and Mercedes formed one of the most dominant partnerships in motorsport history:

• 7 World Championships (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
• 103 Grand Prix victories (an all-time record)
• 191 podiums and 104 pole positions (another record)

It seemed inevitable that he would surpass Michael Schumacher’s seven-title record and become the undisputed GOAT of Formula 1. But then, everything changed in 2021.

The 2021 Abu Dhabi Controversy: The Beginning of the End?

The 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi was supposed to be the crowning moment of Hamilton’s career. He was on the verge of an eighth world title—until one of the most controversial decisions in F1 history robbed him of it.

A late safety car incident allowed Max Verstappen to make a last-lap overtake, snatching the title away. Hamilton was speechless. Many believed he would walk away from the sport right then and there.

Instead, he returned in 2022, but it wasn’t the same.

Mercedes’ Downfall: No Longer a Championship Team

With new regulations in 2022, Mercedes lost its dominance. Their W13 and W14 cars were plagued with porpoising issues, lack of straight-line speed, and inconsistent performance. Hamilton went from fighting for titles to fighting for fourth or fifth place.

His last race win came in December 2021, marking the longest winless streak of his career.

Fast forward to 2024, and things are worse than ever. Hamilton’s Australian GP performance was a harsh reminder of how far he has fallen:

• Barely breaking into the top 10
• Struggling to match teammate George Russell
• Nowhere near Red Bull’s dominance

For the first time in his career, Lewis Hamilton looks like just another driver.

Is Hamilton Losing Focus? The Rise of Off-Track Distractions

A Shift in Priorities: Racing vs. Lifestyle

Hamilton has always been known for his interests beyond F1—fashion, music, activism, and philanthropy. But in recent years, his focus seems to be drifting further away from racing.

Instead of dedicating every second to improving his car and strategy, he’s frequently seen at:

• High-profile fashion events (Paris, New York, and Milan Fashion Weeks)
• Celebrity parties and Hollywood gatherings
• Luxury vacations with A-list stars

This has led to growing speculation—is Hamilton preparing for a life beyond F1?

New Love Life, New Distractions?

Adding to the speculation are the rumors about Hamilton’s dating life.

Once linked to Nicole Scherzinger, Hamilton has been rumored to be dating supermodels, influencers, and Hollywood actresses. Some of the names include:

• Shakira (the two were seen together multiple times in 2023)
• Kendall Jenner (rumored but unconfirmed)
• Other high-profile celebrities

While Hamilton’s private life is his own, many question if these distractions are affecting his performance.

Is he still fully committed to winning, or is he already planning his post-F1 life?

Can Hamilton Still Stage a Comeback?

His Ferrari Gamble: One Last Shot at Glory?

In 2025, Hamilton will make one of the biggest moves of his career—leaving Mercedes for Ferrari.

At 40 years old, this might be his final chance to fight for a championship. But will Ferrari be the team to bring him back to the top?

Pros of the Move:
✔ Ferrari has shown stronger pace than Mercedes in 2024
✔ A fresh start could reignite Hamilton’s hunger
✔ Driving for Ferrari adds to his legendary status

Cons of the Move:
✖ Ferrari has a history of strategic mistakes
✖ Charles Leclerc is already Ferrari’s golden boy—will Hamilton get equal treatment?
✖ At 40, will he still be as fast as he once was?

If Ferrari delivers a championship-worthy car, Hamilton could shock the world and win an eighth title. But if they fail, his career might end in disappointment.

Does He Still Have the Hunger?

Hamilton has proven before that he can bounce back from adversity. However, the biggest question remains:

Does he still have the fire to fight for another title, or has he already mentally checked out?

If he wants to compete with the likes of Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris, he needs to rediscover the killer instinct that made him a seven-time champion.

Final Verdict: The Career Crossroads of a Legend

Is the Lewis Hamilton era over? Not yet.

But the next two years will determine whether he writes one final chapter of greatness or fades away into history.

• If he reignites his focus, maximizes his Ferrari opportunity, and wins an eighth title, his GOAT status will be undisputed.
• If he continues to drift away from racing, finishing outside podiums while focusing on fame and lifestyle, his legacy will still be great—but his dominance will be officially over.

For now, the countdown to 2025 has begun. Will Lewis Hamilton rise again, or is this the slow collapse of an F1 empire?

The world is watching.