Column
Column | Will Hamilton truly leave F1?
After the dramatic title-deciding final round in Abu Dhabi, Sir Lewis Hamilton has made very few public appearances. This, plus his long running silence on social media has led people to question whether the seven-time world champion is genuinely considering retirement from F1. Here’s five reasons as to why we will still see the Briton racing on in 2022.
Record breaker
Above all, the idea of breaking the record for the most world championships must be present in the Briton’s mind. The eighth title may have eluded him in 2021, but the hunger to rewrite the history books is undoubtedly there. With the most poles, the most podiums and the most podiums in F1, there is definitely an aim to cap off his achievements through championship success as well. The upcoming regulations present an opportunity for greater competition by helping tighten up the pack. With this, Hamilton can still grow and prolong his career by learning and improving, so as to stay on top of his game.
The platform
In recent years, the driver had become an outspoken advocate for change within Formula One. His success at the top of the series has allowed him to draw a major audience. With this, the Briton has shaped his brand image, allowing for issues central to him to become public knowledge and addressable to such an audience. Climate change, promotion of veganism, racial equality and other social justice issues have been high up on his list, with charitable donations and commissions being set up through his passions. His other creative efforts have also gained interest, with fashion and music becoming a growing interest to the seven-time world champion. Thus, Hamilton has been able to use his following to grow his other products and further his aims in the world.
Problems to Mercedes
The raft of problems that would arise from his decision would affect the German manufacturer severely. It would mean that the contract signed by Hamilton would become null and void, meaning whatever outright bonuses given at the beginning of the two-year contract would not be repaid as they wished in his expected tenure. While the contract can be renegotiated for an early release, it would hardly be the most ideal of decisions. Above all would be the painful loss of a partnership that had so much success, on the racetrack and off. Winning 81 races together has seen the team and driver become the most victorious group in the turbo-hybrid era. The commercial agreements brought about by having the high-performing and incredibly media-skilled would come to a premature end, without the pomp of retirement and subsequent looking back upon their achievements.
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Driver market
On a short term basis, an impossible task would face the Mercedes F1 Team. To fill a recently vacated seat from a seven-time world champion on such a short term basis is a near-impossible task. Reserve drivers Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck De Vries are available to fill in the seats during a situation in which the regular drivers are unable to meet their racing duties. However, to receive a full-time call up for even a season would inadvertently affect the Mercedes EQ team, of which both of the drivers compete for in Formula E. Creating major ripples in two world championships would cause an unforeseen amount of difficulty for the German marque, the two racing series and the FIA. Theoretically, Bottas could be recalled from his move to Alfa Romeo, but this would negatively affect the Swiss outfit instead, no matter how large a contract payout may be.
Internal demons
To leave F1 would be a knee-jerk reaction. It would undo the years of hard work, time, money and dedication that both he and his father, Anthony Hamilton, have put into the sport. His greatest achievements, victories and feats have all come from racing. While the Briton has other interests and passions, to leave prematurely would sever him from something which he has enjoyed for so many years in his life. It’s within a competitor’s mentality to take some of their hardest defeats, to then learn and build upon them. If Sir Lewis Hamilton leaves now, there would only be regret on his side. Seeing out his career on his terms and in his own success is the ideal way, which he undoubtedly wants to achieve.
