A sport like Formula 1 is very demanding. It’s extremely taxing on the mind, body and soul. This is exactly why performing consistently at the level required in a sport like this isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. But with 7 world championships in the bag, Lewis Hamilton has proved his character. That being said, has the 38-year-old lost the plot in search of that elusive eighth-world title?

The Mercedes ace has arguably had it a tad bit more difficult than his teammate, George Russell when it comes to extracting the maximum potential out of the W13 and now, the W14. Hence, a lot of arguments and comments have been made about Hamilton’s exhaustion of talent and will. But so far, his character as a driver and team personnel has not come into question. However, an ex-F1 team manager has decided to lay into the 7x champion with some really harsh words.

Lewis Hamilton gets a brutal reality check

It’s always easy to be in good spirits when you’re winning. But when things aren’t really going your way is when you must step up and gee up everyone around you as well. According to ex-Benetton manager, Joan Villadelprat, Hamilton’s attitude has been disdainful to say the least.

He told El Confidencial, “Hamilton is fed up. And if he doesn’t win he’s like a spoiled little child: either you win or you break the toy. He’s a whiner. The tyre, the strategy, questions everything. When you have a [teammate] who is faster than you, it is normal to be quiet and put your head under your wing.”

“I don’t think he has lost but, after seven titles… What motivates you? Well, win another. And you’re not going to risk your skin if you don’t have that car. What is evident is that Hamilton is not the same as his first or second championship.”

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A lot has been made about Russell’s involvement in the supposed demise of Hamilton’s career trajectory. And as things stand, it isn’t looking that good for the Brit.

Hamilton issued ominous warning

For a driver like Lewis Hamilton, ending his career in shambles isn’t what he would be hoping for. But with his young teammate breathing down his neck, does Hamilton have what it takes to salvage what is left of his time in Formula 1?

Ex-Ferrari manager Peter Windsor explained, “Now you’ve got George getting the best from the car, the car’s not porpoising anymore – it’s not physically as difficult to drive as it was last year but it’s obviously not a quick car in the Red Bull sense of the word.”

“Lewis has got to dig unbelievably deep now to keep his motivation and to be the racer that he is. It’s sad actually, I think.”

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Can Mercedes provide Lewis Hamilton with capable machinery to win that elusive 8th title?