Former F1 driver unsure on Hamilton eighth title

Former Formula 1 driver Eddie Irvine has weighed in on whetherLewis Hamilton will go on to take an eighth World Championship.Irvine was teammates with Michael Schumacher during his time atFerrari in 1999, with Hamilton being the only driver to eclipse hisrecord of seven titles in F1. Hamilton has been chasing an eighthchampionship since he was denied at the 2021 season finale, when aSafety Car discrepancy handed victory to title rival MaxVerstappen. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff firmly expectsHamilton to break the current record , despite the team goingwinless throughout the 2023 season. Irvine: Hamilton prospectsdepends on 2024 car Irvine expects it will be harder for Hamiltonto achieve his goal of an eighth title before retiring from F1,depending on whether Mercedes can provide him with a race-winningcar. “The era of the triumphs of Hamilton and Mercedes is now over,but Lewis is still a very good driver, very focused on objectivesand eager to obtain results,” said Irvine in La Gazzetta delloSport. “He is still doing a great job behind the wheel of an F1car. Also the comparison with Verstappen is very tough, because Maxis younger, has a bit more speed and enormous belief in hisabilities. "Hamilton’s prospects will depend on how competitiveMercedes will be in 2024. With his experience he has shown that heknows how to seize every opportunity that presents itself both inqualifying and in the race. However, I doubt he will be able to winthe championship again, realizing his dream of winning his eighthtitle.”