Prost: I absolutely don’t believe Hamilton’s talent faded or is lost

The self-criticism startled the Formula 1 world. And shocked Ferrari. After all, Hamilton has built his career on relentless self-belief, but his outburst in Budapest fuelled speculation about retirement and will to continue in the top flight.

At 40, beaten by George Russell last year at Mercedes and now struggling to keep pace with Leclerc at Ferrari, questions resurfaced: Is it over for Hamilton? Why can’t he beat Charles? Is Lewis heading the way of Sebastian Vettel?

Formula 1 legend Alain Prost rejected any notion that Hamilton’s ability has vanished. Writing in L’Équipe, the four-time world champion reminded that the seven-time title winner still has the pedigree to succeed with the right car.

The 70-year-old wrote: “I absolutely don’t believe Hamilton’s talent has faded, or worse, been lost. When you win with Ferrari, it’s better than anywhere else; but when you don’t, it’s worse than anywhere else. Everyone knows it, everyone writes about it, but in real life it’s different.”

Prost drew on his own Ferrari experience to explain Hamilton’s plight: “Changing teams isn’t easy, but joining Ferrari is even more difficult. Everything is multiplied because the driver belongs to a country, not just a team.

"And if doubt creeps in, it’s stronger at the Scuderia because it doesn’t just involve the fans or the press, but is also instilled within the team. Happiness generates better performances at Maranello. Sadness, on the other hand, accentuates doubt.”

Hamilton’s season with Ferrari has been defined by disappointment, but the belief from inside the paddock remains that with the right machinery, he is still capable of winning races and even fighting for that eighth title. For now, his fight is against apparent self-doubt and staring at Leclerc’s rear wing.