Hamilton can't challenge for the title this season and should turn his attention to next year, says former grand prix driver Herbert

Lewis Hamilton cannot challenge for the world championship this season, and will struggle to win a single race, according to former grand prix driver Johnny Herbert.

Hamilton is third in the standings after an impressive start to his career with Mercedes in which he has already secured two podium finishes.



But Herbert, a veteran of 165 grands prix, believes Hamilton must turn his attentions to next term just four races into the current campaign.



Future Rival: Lewis Hamilton spends time with a young fan

Challenge over: Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert believes Hamilton's title challenge is over this year

'This year? No. That is not going to happen,' said Herbert, when asked if Hamilton can compete with Sebastian Vettel for the title.



'The Mercedes is a very good qualifying car, but when it comes to the races Lewis has gone backwards.



'He is third and going well, but I don’t think Mercedes will win a race this year because they have issues managing their tyres.



Can't compete: Herbert said Hamilton's Mercedes cannot cope with the pace of the Red Bull cars

Strong start: Hamilton has had a good start to the season with two podium finishes

'The best way forward for Mercedes and Lewis to be in a position to really fight for a championship is to focus on next season by getting yourself ahead of the rest.'

Hamilton is 27 points adrift of triple world champion Sebastian Vettel as the Formula One circus returns to Europe for this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.



And talk of who might join Vettel at Red Bull next season is already beginning to gather pace with Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen favourite to replace Mark Webber.



Pace setter: Sebastian Vettel is already 10 points clear in the standings and has won two of the first four races

'Would Sebsatian Vettel want to shy away from it? Probably not. He is not that type of character,' Herbert said on the possibility of Raikkonen racing alongside the German at Red Bull in 2014.



‘If it was a choice you would like to see Kimi. He fits the Red Bull bill, but it will be driven purely by one driver wanting to leave, if that is Kimi, and the relationship within Red Bull if Sebastian wants or accepts a driver like Kimi coming in.

'Mark Webber is a good peddlar and it has been very difficult for him but that is what the game is all about. It’s not just about driving on the track, it’s everything that goes with it outside.'

You can see practice, qualifying and the race from the Spanish Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 HD. Watch on TV, online, on the go via Sky Go, and using Sky F1 Race Control.