Few moments in Formula 1 cause ripples quite like a respected former driver publicly questioning the ability of a legend.

Such is the controversy ignited by Johnny Herbert’s recent comments on Lewis Hamilton; statements which, according to many Ferrari fans, cross the line between honest critique and outright disrespect.

In a sport as politicized and passionate as Formula 1, especially around an iconic team like Ferrari and a colossal figure like Hamilton, the reverberations are profound.

In this in-depth analysis, we examine what Herbert actually said, why it has provoked fury among Ferrari supporters, the evidence backing (or disputing) his claims, and what it means for both Hamilton and the Scuderia’s future.

The Comments That Shook the Paddock

Johnny Herbert, a three-time Grand Prix victor and long-time F1 pundit, did not hold back when evaluating Hamilton’s adaptation to life at Ferrari. “Ferrari cannot continue to rely on Lewis,” Herbert asserted, going as far as to doubt whether the Brit still has “the natural speed that made him unbeatable.” Herbert drew comparisons to late-career declines seen in legends like Michael Schumacher and Nigel Mansell, warning that Hamilton could be following a similar trajectory. The most stinging words painted a picture of a “genuinely lost” driver, apparently disconnected from his car, his team, and the very instincts that built his championship legacy.

Crucially, Herbert did not couch his observations as tentative or respectful concerns. Instead, he suggested Ferrari should “stop building around Hamilton,” a public invocation for the team to reconsider their entire strategy. It’s a call that, from someone of Herbert’s stature, carries weight far beyond a casual press-room soundbite.

Why Ferrari Supporters Are Outraged

Ferrari’s decision to bring in Lewis Hamilton for 2025 was not merely about merchandise sales or global headlines. It was a statement of intent—their bet on experience, grit, and the hope that Hamilton’s tireless drive would bridge their 16-year title drought. Herbert’s comments struck directly at the heart of this hope. For millions of Ferrari fans, still dreaming of returning to championship glory, the suggestion that their new talisman is now part of the problem rather than the solution is more than criticism—it’s an affront.

Supporters, used to media jabs and rival pundits downplaying their team, bristled at the notion that Hamilton might already be past it, just nine races into his Ferrari tenure. They took particular issue with Herbert equating Hamilton’s current struggles with the late-career falloffs of Schumacher and Mansell, arguing it dismisses Hamilton’s recent competitive flashes and ignores the fundamental messiness of transitioning drivers into new teams.

Analyzing the Data: Is Herbert Right About Hamilton’s Form?

But speculation and sentimentality should always be tested against facts. Hamilton’s start at Ferrari has been mixed. Nine Grands Prix in, he trails teammate Charles Leclerc, who many now say may be a more natural fit for the current car and the anchor Ferrari needs. There have been shaky qualifying performances and the uncomfortable reality of team instructions asking Hamilton to let Leclerc by on track.

Yet, calling this a “decline” needs nuance:

Hamilton Has Outperformed the Car Before: In 2022 and 2023 at Mercedes, Hamilton regularly eclipsed his machinery, eking out results few others could. The current Ferrari car is notoriously finicky, and adaptation—even for champions—can be brutal.
He’s Not Alone in Struggling to Adapt: Icons like Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, and even Schumacher had initial setbacks when joining new teams in the later stages of their careers. Some rebounded; for others, the clock did run out. For Hamilton, the jury is still out.

Mental Resilience: Herbert referenced apparent “disconnection” in radio chatter with engineer Riccardo Adami and a lack of chemistry. While true that great driver-engineer bonds (like Hamilton and Pete Bonnington at Mercedes) can make a visible difference, such relationships often take multiple seasons to cement. 

The Herbert Effect: More Than Just Punditry

When someone like Johnny Herbert speaks, teams listen. His proximity to both the press and paddock means his doubts can quickly become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Ferrari, already under enormous pressure, now faces a barrage of questions: Should they keep focusing resources on Hamilton, hoping he rediscovers his magic? Or should they quietly pivot toward the homegrown Leclerc, who’s delivering steady points, podiums, and appears less rattled?

The repercussions extend far beyond this season. Next year’s car development, internal politics, even the team’s marketing narrative—all are now tangled up in the drama unleashed by Herbert’s remarks. In a sport where perception shapes reality, public doubts from a respected name can erode confidence inside the team just as quickly as they sway fans outside it.

What’s Next: Redemption or Reassessment?

Hamilton now faces one of the sternest tests of his career—a battle not just against Max Verstappen, Red Bull, or even time itself, but against creeping doubt from within his own garage. Every race becomes a referendum on his legacy and Ferrari’s faith. Historically, Lewis Hamilton has thrived when written off, summoning titanic performances under pressure. But as Herbert and Ferrari’s armies of critics know all too well, Formula 1 waits for no man.

The window for Hamilton’s comeback is shrinking. Every lackluster Grand Prix adds ammo to those advocating for a Leclerc-centric future. Ferrari, legendary for both their patience and ruthlessness, must decide: Double down on Hamilton and risk further disappointment, or reorient around the young Monegasque and a fresh vision for 2026 and beyond?

The Bottom Line

Johnny Herbert’s recent salvo was more than pointed paddock chatter. It was a public gauntlet thrown at both Hamilton and Ferrari’s feet. Critique or disrespect? The answer depends on your vantage point. For some, Herbert is simply being honest, warning of patterns seen throughout F1 history. For others, particularly Ferrari fans, he crossed a line—dismissing a champion before he’s had the chance to truly prove himself in red.

What remains beyond doubt is that the stakes for the rest of the season just escalated. Whether Herbert’s words were premature or prophetic, only Lewis Hamilton—and Ferrari—can provide the answer on track.