Is something seriously wrong with Lewis Hamilton? This was one of the most remarkable flops I have witnessed in reporting more than 300 grands prix, writes JONATHAN McEVOY

The events surrounding Lewis Hamilton on November 3, 2024, reflect a significant downturn in his racing performance. Competing in Brazil, Hamilton faced a rain-saturated track that wreaked havoc during qualifying. This session was delayed due to a crash involving Franco Colapinto's Williams, ultimately affecting the Hamilton's ability to gather pace and set a competitive lap time, placing him 10 seconds behind the leader and significantly below his standards. At 39 years old, Hamilton's ongoing rivalry with teammate George Russell has intensified, with Russell finishing 4th and showcasing better car performance throughout the session. Hamilton's struggles have raised eyebrows within the sport, with rumors suggesting a potential shift to Ferrari may not yield the desired success based on current trends in his performance. Despite his legendary status in the sport and miraculous performances in tight situations, doubts regarding Hamilton's ability to contend at the highest level have started to surface, leading to discussions about his future. A respected figure in Formula 1 suggested that Ferrari's interest in acquiring his services could be a misguided venture given Hamilton's recent form. Nevertheless, Hamilton demonstrated resilience by completing the race despite the challenges faced, and there may still be opportunities for him to recapture his previous form. This situation leaves fans and analysts contemplating his career trajectory and the impact of age on elite performance.