Martin Brundle feels Lewis Hamilton can race in Formula 1 "for as long as he wants to" with physical fitness unlikely to be a barrier for the Brit.
Hamilton celebrated his 38th birthday in January and is entering the final season of his current deal with Mercedes. But he has already signalled his intention to continue racing with the Silver Arrows, despite previously having baulked at the idea of racing in F1 beyond his 40th birthday.
The seven-time world champion's passion for the sport remains strong despite a difficult time in the last 15 months. Not only did he suffer his first winless season last year, but that came after the despair of losing the 2021 title to Max Verstappen in controversial circumstances.
From a physical standpoint at least, Brundle sees no reason why Hamilton cannot continue for many years to come. He told Sky Sports News: "I think Lewis can race for as long as he wants to. Drivers don't get smashed up these days, they don't get broken bones and their heads knocked around too much – the cars are much safer.
"They're physically in incredible shape with their nutrition, hydration, they are looked after well. So I think they can race on at their peak and I think Lewis has got as many more years as he wants in him. I think he'll handle it fine – what else is there to do in life, if you can drive one of the best Formula 1 cars in the world?"
Asked if he still sees a "hunger" within the Brit, Brundle added: "Absolutely. Both him and [Fernando] Alonso, somehow.
"This is one of the things that fascinates me about 2023 – you've got the two of them left now. Alonso and Hamilton against this army of youngsters coming in who want the glory and want the championship. We'll see who comes out on top."
Giving his verdict after pre-season testing, he said of the balance of power: "It did look as if it was Red Bull out front, Ferrari gamely chasing them and then Mercedes scratching their heads, not quite sure where they were at – a few issues, but not too far behind. So a bit like last year. They've got a bit of work to do to match the relentless pace of the Red Bull."
But he does not agree with colleague Ted Kravitz's suggestion that Aston Martin could be faster than the Silver Arrows, and said: "That's too much to ask, I think. Too big of a turnaround. Mercedes, their car was pretty handy towards the end of last year – don't forget, George Russell won in Brazil. So, I think that's underplaying how strong Mercedes are as a team and that car can be."
