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Lewis Hamilton of UK driving the (44) Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team F1 W13 Mercedes-AMG F1 M13 during the F1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2022 on August 28th, 2022 in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium. (Photo by Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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Lewis Hamilton of UK driving the (44) Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team F1 W13 Mercedes-AMG F1 M13 during the F1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2022 on August 28th, 2022 in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium. (Photo by Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Abu Dhabi was the race that could have made Lewis Hamilton the most successful driver in the history of F1. On a day when Mercedes had the edge, Red Bull lucked out. With the Silver Arrows’ spearhead completely in control of the race, Max Verstappen hoped for a miracle. And that’s exactly what he got.
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Nicholas Latifi’s late crash and a controversial call by the then race director, Michael Masi, arguably helped the Dutchman to clinch his maiden title. While there was delight and jubilation in the Red Bull camp, there was a sinking feeling in Mercedes’ garage.
After the race, it was speculated that Lewis Hamilton might retire. But, the 7-time world champion fought through adversity and returned to take the center stage yet again. Stating his desire to return to racing after the heart-wrenching defeat, he said, “I am generally a very determined person. And while moments like this might define careers, I refuse to let this define mine.”
2022 hasn’t been the best season for him. But, there are still a lot of fans who feel that he has more world titles in him. The 37-year-old, ahead of the Japanese GP, was asked about his retirement plan.
PLEASE😭 They asked Lewis about his retirement plan and someone in the audience shouted “RACE TO YOUR TENTH CHAMPIONSHIP” pic.twitter.com/e64byFaTay
— imane (@lewisgfreal) October 7, 2022
Before he could answer it, a fan from the audience shouted, “RACE TO YOUR TENTH CHAMPIONSHIP!” To which Lewis jokingly replied, “I might be old and gray by then,” to round off a wholesome moment.
Lewis Hamilton winning a championship this year is completely out of the question. But he would want to at least win a race.
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Can Lewis Hamilton keep his record intact?
Ever since his debut, there has not been one season that has ended without Lewis Hamilton being on the top step of the podium. It looks like the 2022 season could be that unfortunate season. However, Hamilton is not concerned about records.

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NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JULY 17: Second placed Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates in parc ferme during the Sprint for the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on July 17, 2021 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
At Monza, talking about his record, Lewis said, “I’m not focused on the record, but of course I’m trying to get that win this year. But the record is not that important for me because I don’t really care about records in general.”
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WATCH THIS STORY: Big Boost for Lewis Hamilton as Mercedes Director Offers Massive F1 Update
Hamilton might not be concerned about records, but he’ll be itching to compete with the likes of Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. Suzuka might not be a circuit tailor-made for Mercedes, but it’ll be foolish to write Lewis Hamilton off.
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