Lewis Hamilton’s retirement talks arise after title loss heartbreak in Abu Dhabi. The rumor hits despite the fact that the seven-time World Champion signed a contract extension with Mercedes-AMG Petronas last July.
Talks of Lewis Hamilton retiring from the sport follow the bitter defeat in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Brit was one lap away from winning a record-breaking eighth World Championship title. But a decision from the race director, Michael Masi, deprived him of any chance to fight with Max Verstappen. The Dutch was running on fresh tires, while Lewis had his hard rubber for over 40 laps. Mercedes was hoping that a one-pit strategy would bring them a glorious finish. But the strategy failed them and they could only sit and watch Max celebrating.
Now, after getting his heart broken and his CV blocked at 7 championships, Hamilton is thinking of giving up the sport that made him a record holder.
Furthermore, Team Principal Toto Wolff hinted at Hamilton’s retirement, making speculations skyrocket. It would be a blow for Mercedes, as the team is counting on him for two more seasons.
Lewis Hamilton retirement talks – A blow for Mercedes
“I would very much hope Lewis continues racing because he is the greatest driver of all time”, Wolff said, according to Express.co.uk.
It wouldn’t be the first time they go into anticlimax after success. Mercedes is, after all, the Constructors’ Championship holder for the eighth consecutive year. Nico Robserg decided to retire in 2016, right after his victory on the same racetrack, Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi.
But former teammate claims that the Briton will fight back in 2022. “It was heart-breaking for him, absolutely, because up until four laps from the end, he was almost certain to be world champion”, Nico Rosberg told Sky Sports F1.
“It was tough, it was extremely tough. But, of course, I do count on him being back on the grid next year and fighting to get back that world championship that kind of got taken away from him in a way”, Nico added.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas, with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas has finally met with the employees at Brackley and Bixworth to celebrate the Constructors’ title, after days of silence.
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