Despite this, Hamilton's former arch-rival and team-mate Nico Rosberghas shared his admiration for him, believing that he was still regarded as the best on the grid last season.
Hamilton finished third in the drivers' standings in 2023, claiming six podiums, despite inconsistencies with his W14 seeing team-mate George Russell only down in eighth.
“Just half a year ago, Lewis was maybe still the best on the grid together with Verstappen," Rosberg told Sky Sports.
"Now the beginning of the season has been a little bit more difficult, but surely Lewis can do the same and go into his forties, no problem.”
It’s a mark of confidence from Rosberg who is one of few drivers to have beaten the F1 legend over the course of a full season, when he won the 2016 drivers' championship.