Brown on whether Hamilton will retire: 'Don't assume he's coming back'

Since the thrilling denouement of the title battle in Abu Dhabi between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, there has been radio silence from the Mercedes driver's camp. McLaren CEO Zak Brown does not expect the Briton to hang up his helmet because of this, but also says he will not be "shocked" if he does.

Because one of the most controversial decisions was made on the final lap of the last race, and the season was therefore over, the discussion continues unabated a month later. However, Brown expects the discussion to subside once the 2022 Formula One season gets underway.

He does not think Michael Masi's decision will lead to Hamilton's departure. In his eyes, the Briton is not yet ready to retire. "I don't think he will retire because of an incident," says Brown in conversation with Racer.com.

Nevertheless, the McLaren chief is not ruling out an eventual departure of the seven-time world champion. "I wouldn't be shocked if he stopped, so I don't think we should just assume he'll be back," Brown said.