Benson sees no age-based barrier to Hamilton racing on in F1

Andrew Benson sees no age-based reason to rule out several more Formula 1 seasons for Lewis Hamilton. In a BBC F1 Q&A after the São Paulo Grand Prix, the correspondent pointed to Fernando Alonso, who at 45 is still performing at a high level, Benson said.

Hamilton is 41, and his results in the 2022–25 ground-effect era prompted questions about his ability to adapt. Benson noted that Mercedes team-mate George Russell outperformed him in two of their three seasons together, while Hamilton was far below his usual level against Charles Leclerc in 2025. That led some to ask whether age played a part in his adaptation; Benson said the questions about those four years would remain unanswered.

Benson describes a different picture in 2026: Hamilton is back in more familiar territory with the cars, performing extremely well and closely matched with Leclerc. After his 400th grand prix, Hamilton said he still felt young and believed he retained his pace, speed, dedication and focus.

Hamilton has said he wants to race at least until Formula 1 returns to Africa. Benson says that will be no earlier than 2030, when Hamilton will be 45. His current Ferrari contract is believed to end in 2027, so reaching that target would require at least one new deal.