NASCAR Comeback King Jimmie Johnson Rips Up Tom Brady Excuse for Lewis Hamilton Final Exit

A lot of discussions are going around about Lewis Hamilton nearing the end of his career in F1. On the one hand, Fernando Alonso sets the bar high still fighting for podiums in 2023 at the age of 41. However, the sport has failed to give Hamilton anything to hold on to for the last couple of years. So the question remains, will the lack of stimulus get him before the age does?

Age and motorsports is a sensitive topic in itself. The agility, reaction time, and physical demands of driving an F1 car aren’t for the fainthearted. While Lewis Hamilton is very much at the top of his game, it goes without saying that at the age of 38, it’s time to look at the calendar.

Why is Hamilton thrown into this spotlight in the first place? There are no doubts about his talents or ability to achieve race wins and even the 8th title. Painting the picture: Mercedes‘ car no longer dominates the competition- a situation Hamilton not only created but is well-accustomed to.

Further, controversies with the FIA, tensions within the team- everything is fueling the fires of Hamilton’s exit. Unlike physical sports, where the effects of aging are easily observed, the impact of aging on top-tier racers is a more intricate matter.

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson weighs in on the conversation. Retired from the sport in 2020, the Hall of Famer is making his second coming in the 2023 season. 47 years old, Johnson has some experience to bring to the conversation.

Jimmie Johnson analyzes Lewis Hamilton situation

As Jimmie Johnson explained, it is possible to have a long career in motorsports. “Our bodies are not taking the shots that, say, a football player would time after time. Joint injuries, knee injuries, neck injuries — you know, all the different things. So I believe there’s a physicality element that gives us a longer window to have a career.”

Hamilton has often been labeled the Tom Brady of his sport. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff had compared the two. “I’m thinking about Tom Brady who is 45 and he’s on the pitch throwing the ball and being tackled, so the age plays no role.” While the NFL champ has now retired, made a comeback, and retired again, Brady’s NFL career is over. But will Hamilton follow in these footsteps for other reasons?

If there’s no physical limitations, Johnson believes it all comes down to the mind. “It’s really been the grind and the commitment to stay on top and to try to win regularly and to stay in that championship conversation regularly. It just takes a different toll. “

Does this apply to Hamilton? Has Mercedes strayed so far from being considered championship material again that Hamilton is having second thoughts? Despite speculations, it’s strange to think the loyal Hamilton will end his career with another team.

So is this the end of the line? How many more strikes before Hamilton has had enough, and bows out while still on top? Or will the chants of “Still I Rise” push the driver to that slippery 8th title?