
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton looks dejected after finishing second in the race and the world championship Pool via REUTERS/Kamran Jebreili

via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton looks dejected after finishing second in the race and the world championship Pool via REUTERS/Kamran Jebreili
Ever since Lewis Hamilton went into ‘hiding’, there have been multiple theories over his unusual silence. A handful of them reckoned that it had everything to do with the stewards who ‘manipulated’ the season finale by denying the seven-time world champion the title.
Meanwhile, another group of theorists opined that Hamilton’s silence was because he lost hope in Formula One altogether; hence, using the time to evaluate the option of quitting racing. Amidst such opinions pouring in over the past month, here’s former F1 driver, Jacques Villeneuve, chipping in with his point of view.

via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Brazilian Grand Prix – Jose Carlos Pace Circuit, Sao Paulo, Brazil – November 11, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes
The Canadian often triggers controversies by his unique style of critiquing and this time, it’s Toto Wolff who has ended up in the firing line.
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Ex-F1 driver insults Lewis Hamilton?
As reported by Speed Week, Villeneuve opened up about why Hamilton has been staying away from everyone including his own Mercedes F1 boss, Wolff.
“Ultimately, you can lose in style. But, Toto behaved like someone who plays Monopoly and knocks over the whole board when he loses. In my opinion, this has caused a great deal of image damage. Hamilton reacted sensitively because he might also be thinking about his future in America, or even in Hollywood,” he said.
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Villeneuve further admitted that Hamilton is starting to enter the phase of withdrawal amidst visible physical struggles in the tense 2021 season.

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Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 23, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen after qualifying in pole position as Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton who qualified in second place, walks by REUTERS/Brian Snyder
“Lewis is also a bit more tired than in previous years. He had an easy game after Nico Rosberg’s GP farewell. But last season was tough and I don’t think he wants to experience another year like the last one,” he added.
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Overall, sadly, Villeneuve’s words might actually be true as Hamilton genuinely looked drained out by the end of the season-long battle in 2021. And coping with another such season in 2022 might further worsen his physical state. Hence, is Hamilton’s retirement announcement closer than ever?
Read More: Why do F1 Drivers Train Their Necks?
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