Johnny Herbert on Hamilton's Struggles and Leclerc's Consistent Results

8 hours ago7 min read

Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert has weighed in on Lewis Hamilton's latest setback at the Mexican Grand Prix, a weekend that perfectly encapsulated the stark contrast between the seven-time world champion's ongoing struggles and the consistent, podium-finishing form of his teammate, Charles Leclerc. Herbert noted that when Hamilton went wheel-to-wheel with Max Verstappen in Mexico, it initially seemed like a promising sign, a potential turning point where the veteran's raw talent could overcome the car's deficiencies.'I thought this race could unfold very well for Lewis,' Herbert observed, capturing the flicker of hope that many fans felt. Yet, as has been the pattern throughout this grueling season, that hope was extinguished.While Hamilton's qualifying performance was respectable and he appeared content with his starting position, the race itself became another chapter in a saga of frustration, a narrative where something always seems to go awry for the British driver. This stands in dramatic opposition to the season Leclerc is constructing, one built on a foundation of relentless, almost metronomic, strong results.The Monegasque driver, seemingly unfazed by the same machinery that has confounded his illustrious teammate, secured another podium finish, underscoring a perplexing intra-team dynamic that has become one of the season's central storylines. Herbert's analysis points to a deeper, more psychological battle for Hamilton.After years of dominance with Mercedes, where victories were expected and championships were the baseline, he now finds himself in the unfamiliar role of a challenger grappling with an uncooperative car. The struggle isn't just about lap times; it's about wrestling with a machine that refuses to conform to his legendary instincts, a theme reminiscent of other greats who faced similar transitional phases late in their careers, from Michael Schumacher's return with Mercedes to Ayrton Senna's difficult final year with Williams.The data is stark: Hamilton's podium drought continues, while Leclerc's tally grows, raising inevitable questions about adaptation, car development direction, and the subtle erosion of confidence that can plague even the most decorated athletes. Now, the focus shifts to the final races of the season.Hamilton has publicly stated he is finally feeling more comfortable in the Ferrari, a declaration that carries both promise and pressure. Can he translate this newfound familiarity into a tangible result, a single podium that would serve as a moral victory and a testament to his enduring class? Or will the season conclude with Leclerc further solidifying his status as the team's de facto number one? The remaining circuits—the high-speed sweeps of Interlagos and the technical challenge of Yas Marina—will provide the answers. For Herbert and F1 analysts, this is more than just a story of points and positions; it's a compelling human drama about resilience, the relentless march of time in a sport obsessed with youth, and the complex process of a champion learning to fight a different kind of battle, one where success is measured not in championships, but in hard-fought, symbolic triumphs against the odds.

#featured

#Johnny Herbert

#Lewis Hamilton

#Charles Leclerc

#Mexican Grand Prix

#Ferrari

#podium

#race performance

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