Lewis Hamilton’s Retirement Ghost Haunts Mercedes Ahead of 2023 Season
Follow Us
Lewis Hamilton is just about as big as a Formula 1 driver can get. That being said, his employer of the past decade, Mercedes, are no petty customer, too. Naturally, given the history of this iconic alliance, you wouldn’t ever question the underlying loyalty both parties share with each other. But the sport of Formula 1 can be a cruel mistress. And the demands of the sport often outweigh the highs a driver can experience. Given Mercedes and the 7x champion’s recent struggles, an F1 insider feels 2022 may have started a ticking bomb with regard to Hamilton’s F1 career.
At Brawn (now Mercedes), Jenson Button won the biggest prize out there. In 2009, he won the Formula 1 title. What ensued after was a relatively successful spell with McLaren. However, as the team weaned off into the midfield challenger they are today, Button came to grips with the cost-benefit analysis of being an F1 driver. Eventually, he decided to hang up his racing helmet, giving no real shot at another title. And he claims this exact thought may be troubling his ex-teammate, Hamilton.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While he was talking about his own decision to quit, SkySports F1 quoted the 43-year-old as saying, “It’s something we all go through at some point in our careers. It’s a reason why a lot of people retire; they’re not in a winning car anymore. And that’s why I left.”
He then juxtaposition’d this with the crossroads Hamilton finds himself at. “You can deal with the pressure you put yourself under if you’re in a winning car. When you’re not, it’s like, you know what I’ve had enough…I want to get out.”
Hamilton himself has elucidated amply on his retirement plans. But is the W14 enough to keep the Brit motivated?
Lewis Hamilton gives his verdict on the W14
Mercedes revealed the revolutionary W14 on February 15th. The all-black livery was an ode to the past, but also a massive weight-saving exercise. Soon after, both Hamilton and his teammate George Russell attended a shakedown session at Silverstone. And the first signs for the Brit look promising.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Red Bull Insider Delivers Bad News to Frederic Vasseur as He Reveals Big “Advantage” Over Ferrari
May 13, 2024 02:22 PM EDT
Max Verstappen Makes Massive Blunder as Imola GP Stands Between Dutchman’s Favorite Activity
May 14, 2024 07:41 PM EDT
“Just Being Wheeled Around”: Adrian Newey Accuses Red Bull of ‘Not Involving’ Him in Strategic Calls After Decision to Leave
May 16, 2024 03:35 PM EDT
F1 Imola GP 2024: When and Where to Watch the Race at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo E Dino Ferrari
May 14, 2024 09:43 PM EDT
F1 Imola GP: Heartbreak for Lewis Hamilton as His Lucky Supporter Turned Sebastian Vettel Rival Formulino Will Be Absent From Emilia Romagna
May 16, 2024 12:38 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
SBNation quoted the 38-year-old as saying, “It has been great to get up and running with the W14. It is always a much-anticipated moment for everyone at the factory that has been working so hard; I’m incredibly grateful for all the effort that has gone in. The day has been smooth; we got through a good programme, and we’ve come away with some useful findings.”
“I generally felt comfortable in the car and I’m excited to get going in Bahrain.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: Mercedes React to FIA’s admission of “Human Error” in the Verstappen-Hamilton Scandal
Do you think Lewis Hamilton will have a capable machinery this time around to challenge for that elusive 8th title?
Edited by:
Ranvijay Singh