Johnny Herbert questions Lewis Hamilton's future at Mercedes and possibility of a Ferrari switch

Seven-time world champion Hamilton's remarks that Mercedes did not listen to his advice when designing the W14 car led to speculation that the Briton may be considering a move away from the team. However, Hamilton downplayed the idea and focused on the team's improved performance during the Australian Grand Prix weekend.

Herbert believes that Hamilton's future will depend on Mercedes' progress going forwards. "Can they turn it around? If that doesn't work and Lewis still has the fire in his belly and thinks this is not the place for him, where does he go?" Herbert told Standard Sport.

While Ferrari could be an option for Hamilton, Herbert suggested that time could be a possible hindrance to any possible switch. "Would he feel he could take his energy and people from Mercedes there like Michael Schumacher did and actually change and steer it in a positive way? The problem with that is time," he said.

Herbert also believes that Hamilton's discomfort with simulator training could pose a challenge for the 38-year-old. "The majority of the young generation of great drivers on the grid have something that Lewis has never been comfortable with and want to put all their energies in, which is the simulator stuff," Herbert said.

Despite this, Herbert still thinks that Hamilton has the skill and drive to claim an eighth World Championship. He also expects Hamilton's teammate, George Russell, to continue to challenge him. "George has been able to challenge him and put him under a lot of pressure," Herbert added. "George is going to be tough for Max Verstappen when he gets the right car. I think Lando Norris is the same given the right car."

Herbert's comments suggest that Hamilton's future at Mercedes is uncertain, and a switch to Ferrari could be an option. However, time could be a hindrance to any possible move.