The Formula 1 world is buzzing with speculation about whether age is starting to affect Lewis Hamilton’s performance. Nico Rosberg, his former teammate, has publicly suggested that the 40-year-old’s age may be a factor in his recent form. Hamilton,who made a high-profile move to Ferrari this season,has been noticeably behind his teammate Charles Leclerc in the initial races.

Rosberg drew parallels between hamilton’s current situation and his final years at Mercedes, where he faced stiff competition from George russell. According to Rosberg, “It’s a little bit of a continuation of the form last year, where already there was a bit of a dip and George had the upper hand,” Rosberg told Sky F1. “He also finished ahead in the points. Now it’s kind of continued, a little bit lacking here and there, especially [with] ultimate pace in qualifying.”

Rosberg added, “We know Charles is an incredible qualifier, so Lewis has to find a little bit more there.”

Lewis Hamilton age struggles will happen ‘sooner rather then later’

With 364 grand prix starts, Hamilton is one of the most experienced drivers in F1 history, second only to Fernando Alonso. While Alonso, nearing his mid-40s, continues to perform at a high level, Rosberg believes Hamilton’s decline might be arriving sooner.

“Even the greatest of all time, at some point, you are going to get a little bit slower,” Rosberg said.

“Even the greatest of all time, at some point, you are going to get a little bit slower,” Rosberg said. “That’s age-related. When you’re 40, it’s going to happen sooner rather than later. So the question is whether that age has come where you start to get a little bit slower. Even a tenth or something makes a huge difference in this sport, especially when you’re up against some of the greatest from the new generation, which is Charles Leclerc, who’s considered one of the absolute best qualifiers out there.”