Ferrari: Mario Andretti believes Lewis Hamilton could still become world champion. Mario Andretti believes Lewis Hamilton can still win an eighth world championship.

The Italian-American legend believes that Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton still has a shot at an eighth world title, potentially surpassing Michael Schumacher’s historic record.

The shared record

Throughout his Formula 1 career, which began in 2007, Lewis Hamilton has delivered performances that allowed him to set some of the most significant records in the history of the sport: the highest number of race wins, pole positions, podiums, and, most importantly, world championships. The British driver has claimed seven world titles, equaling Michael Schumacher in this elite ranking.

The tough year at Ferrari

However, during his first season with Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton faced a real performance crisis. For the first time in his career, he did not secure a single podium finish or a pole position over the course of the year, even being considered by some as the worst Ferrari driver ever. These struggles have fueled speculation about a potential F1 retirement, although there are managers and former drivers who continue to defend #44, believing he can soon return to his previous levels.

‘Big Foot’ Andretti’s take

One of those defending Lewis Hamilton is Mario Andretti, the 1978 world champion who won his first career race with Ferrari. Speaking to GPBlog, the Italian-American believes Hamilton can still surpass Schumacher, despite the difficulties of the last season: “I don’t think you can ever count him out. There is too much talent to say ‘no.’ For me, it will obviously depend on him. I don’t know his mental state or his current desires, but you can never doubt his talent, especially considering what he has achieved in this sport. He could become world champion again, absolutely.”