Lewis Hamilton and the Latest Slander: Why History Will Still Favor F1’s Greatest

Recently, Lewis Hamilton has once again found himself at the center of F1 controversy, criticized by former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto. Since leaving Ferrari and now transitioning to a new role with Audi as they enter Formula 1, Binotto’s words about Hamilton’s move to Ferrari reignited the debate over Hamilton’s legacy, his current prowess, and whether criticism from former power brokers in Formula 1 is fair – or simply born of regret.

Binotto’s Statements: Fair or Foul?

Mattia Binotto’s recent comments revolved around the timing of Ferrari’s long-anticipated acquisition of Lewis Hamilton. According to Binotto, Ferrari “took on Lewis Hamilton at the end of his career,” going further to suggest “he definitely is not fast anymore.” From a purely objective standpoint, Binotto’s thoughts on timing aren’t unfounded; signing Hamilton in his prime would have been a coup for any team, Ferrari especially. However, the assertion that Hamilton’s speed has notably faded feels more like opinion than fact – and seems to ignore the unique landscape of Formula 1, where equipment, team chemistry, and circumstance all play pivotal roles.

What makes Binotto’s comments particularly contentious for Hamilton fans is how they contrast with Ferrari’s own actions during his tenure. Between 2019 and 2022 – when he could have potentially brought Hamilton to Maranello – Binotto never put a formal offer on the table. Even as Mercedes’ contracts with Hamilton were typically short-term (offering plausible windows for other teams to swoop in), Ferrari, under Binotto, hesitated.

Is it possible Binotto is simply expressing regret over a missed opportunity? Or is there more at play? Did Binotto, presiding over a Ferrari culture where no individual can be bigger than the Scuderia, feel threatened by the prospect of Hamilton’s star power?

Hamilton’s Timing With Ferrari: Too Late, or Just Right?

There’s some validity to the notion that, in an ideal world, Hamilton might have joined Ferrari earlier in his career. The Hamilton of the late 2010s was at peak powers, dispatching world-class drivers in often-dominant machinery, but also showing resilience when his cars weren’t the class of the field. But Formula 1 is seldom so simple. The reality is that Hamilton has repeatedly demonstrated he can outperform his equipment—think of 2021, where Mercedes was at times second-best, yet Hamilton pushed Max Verstappen to the absolute limit in a season decided on the final lap.

Even today, at the so-called twilight of his career, Hamilton’s raw qualifying speed and racecraft remain amongst the very best. He’s a complete driver: skilled in development, a master with the media, and – crucially for Ferrari – a proven winner who brings the sort of aura and work ethic that can lift an entire team’s standards. While nobody can defy age forever, greatness in Formula 1, as in other sports, isn’t simply a matter of physical peak: experience, mental fortitude, and adaptability often matter just as much. For many, Hamilton joining Ferrari is not a swan song, but a potential masterstroke for both sides.

The Unending Doubts: British Media, Public Perception, and Hamilton’s Real Legacy

Hamilton’s relationship with the broader media – even in his native UK – has always been complicated. Despite extraordinary accolades (a record number of race wins, pole positions, and world championships), he’s rarely received unmitigated support at home. In contrast, Fernando Alonso and other stars have, at times, enjoyed a level of reverence in the press seemingly disproportionate to their statistical impact. This tendency has led to a running theme throughout Hamilton’s career: greatness often goes unrecognized until it’s gone.

Indeed, much of the commentary around Hamilton focuses on the machinery at his disposal, as if any competent driver could have matched his achievements in Mercedes’ dominant cars. This overlooks the clear seasons where Hamilton outdrove his equipment, adapting to regulation changes, and thriving even when Mercedes lagged behind or strategy put him on the back foot. Critics like Binotto hinge much of their doubt on the narrative of a faded star, yet ignore the evidence of Hamilton’s relentless competitiveness and technical input.

Ferrari’s Gamble: Will They Build Around Hamilton?

For Ferrari, aligning with Hamilton is as much about culture as it is about results. The Scuderia has a proud tradition, but recent decades have shown how difficult it is to convert potential into championships. In this, Hamilton’s voice could be pivotal: Mercedes insiders – from James Allison to Toto Wolff – consistently praise Hamilton’s role in car development, strategic feedback, and team-building. This “complete package” is perhaps what Ferrari needs to recapture former glories.

The next twelve months will provide a telling picture. Will Ferrari adapt their team and development path to maximize Hamilton’s unique strengths? Or will they hold to the traditional model of engineering around their established stars, in particular Charles Leclerc? The challenge will be not just providing Hamilton with a car to win, but with an environment that values his unparalleled experience and leadership.

A Legacy Secure, Regardless

As this debate rages on, Hamilton’s place among F1’s all-time greats is not in serious question. He remains a driver who’s challenged and, at times, bested entire teams through consistency, excellence, and an unbending will to win. While Binotto’s criticisms may sting, they are ultimately the musings of someone who missed the chance to secure a legend at Ferrari.

Perhaps the real story is not Hamilton’s supposed decline, but Ferrari’s willingness to finally bet on a proven quantity. If the Scuderia can harness everything Hamilton brings, the partnership could rejuvenate both driver and team—or, even if it falls short, underline just how special a competitor Lewis Hamilton has always been.

Either way, time will show: you can doubt Lewis Hamilton, dismiss his numbers, or claim he arrived too late. But those who watched him drive, and witnessed his hunger year after year, will know the truth. Records and statistics may be broken, but greatness—real, sustained greatness—leaves an imprint that not even the loudest critic can erase.