Lewis Hamilton ‘finished’ claim compared with Lando Norris criticism

Four-time World Champion Alain Prost has leapt to Lewis Hamilton’s defence, insisting online chatter branding the Briton “finished” lacks substance.



In a candid interview, Prost blamed social networks for distorting narratives and declared Hamilton still capable of winning races and titles despite early struggles with Ferrari.



Social Media’s Distorting Lens



“There’s the media, which today have an influence on social networks,” Prost observed.



“If you listen to them today, ‘Lando Norris has no chance, Lewis Hamilton has lost his level.’” He argued that constant real-time commentary magnifies every wobble, feeding a perception miles from reality.







Hamilton’s Roller-Coaster Start



Aside from a masterful sprint victory in Shanghai, Hamilton’s adjustment to the SF-25 has proved arduous. Leclerc owns the Scuderia’s sole Grand Prix podium, and Miami’s radio drama reignited headlines about internal friction.



A Champion’s Honesty



Prost praised Hamilton’s openness, saying his “great strength has always been admitting his mistakes,” yet admitted that transparency can “undermine his image” in the eyes of quick-to-judge fans. “People say he’s finished,” Prost noted, “but we saw with his sprint victory in Shanghai that he’s not.”



Echoes of the Past



Prost knows Ferrari turmoil firsthand after being sacked in 1991 for calling the car a “truck.” He acknowledges that pressure existed before social media, but platforms now amplify every quote and dissect every radio outburst within minutes.



Considering a Digital Exit



The Frenchman admitted he has contemplated deleting Instagram, citing daily hostile messages—often tied to his historic rivalry with Ayrton Senna. “I’m forced to think of him … I’ve been living around this story for 30 years,” Prost said, reflecting on the relentless shadow cast by online fandoms.



Contextualising Ferrari’s Woes



Prost believes Hamilton’s challenges are typical of any top driver switching teams. The early lack of qualifying pace, indecision over team orders, and fierce intra-team rivalry mirror episodes throughout Ferrari’s modern history. Patience, upgrades, and cohesive leadership, he argued, are the traditional remedies.



The Power of One Win



Prost pointed to Hamilton’s Shanghai triumph as evidence of latent speed, arguing that a single victory can reset confidence and silence doubters. In 2025’s long calendar, he expects more opportunities once Ferrari refine tyre warm-up and pit-wall calls.



Media Responsibility



While accepting that scrutiny is part of elite sport, Prost urged journalists and influencers to avoid sensational headlines that can damage reputations.




James Vowles takes responsibility for Carlos #Sainz fallout https://t.co/RTVD3XsDAW — Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) May 11, 2025




Balanced analysis, he said, benefits both fans and the integrity of the championship.



Hamilton’s Next Chapter



For Hamilton, the mission is familiar: fix Saturday pace, steady Sunday strategy, and let results speak. If he converts potential into podiums, Prost’s faith will look prescient and social-media critics will quieten—at least until the next twist.



A Legacy in Motion



Whether or not Hamilton adds an eighth crown, Prost is adamant the Briton’s legacy remains intact. Titles are won on track, not on timelines, and the season still offers ample laps for a narrative reversal. For now, talk of decline belongs to the comment section, not the paddock.
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