In the world of Formula 1, drivers come and go. In the rich history of this sport, we’ve seen some supremely talented drivers who’ve left an untouchable legacy back. That being said, at the end of the day, another driver is always ready, waiting in the wings, to pick the baton up. This fact isn’t lost on the teams, too. This is exactly why the driver market in F1 is one of the most brutal, cutthroat places of business. But when you have a driver like Lewis Hamilton in your ranks, the rules must be bent.

Hamilton has just one thing on his mind right now. He has to get that elusive eight-world title. However, if that isn’t on the cards, the 38-year-old might not have a reason to stay. Hence, chatter about Hamilton just quitting the sport at a moment’s notice has been at an all-time high. What’s more? It isn’t all that uncommon for a multiple-time champion to bow out when he realizes his race is run. But have Mercedes gunned themselves up for this fatal eventuality?

Mercedes are still living in denial

For a team that has won so much in these past years, the Silver Arrows from the outside look like a pragmatic unit. Be that as it may, it would appear that in the case of the 7x champion, the team is willing to put everything on the line.

When Toto Wolff was asked about a potential Plan B if the Brit was to retire, he said, “I think it may sound naive, but I really struggle to think of a Plan B, if my Plan A is still the one that is my favorite,” as quoted by Autosport.

He went on to explain, “I don’t want to engage in discussions with other drivers, because I’m happy with the ones that are in the team, that’s for sure. At the moment, there is no Plan B. It’s Lewis.”

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Even though the retirement rumors around Hamilton have been intensifying, Wolff has placed trust in the words of his driver.

Lewis Hamilton reveals his F1 future via social media

Arguably, Hamilton’s illustrious F1 career has seen many highs and many lows. However, the patch he’s been in since Abu Dhabi 2021 would have been the biggest test of his character. And it would appear that it has taken a toll on the champ.

In a post on Instagram, he wrote, “Some days I feel like stopping.” But he’s hell-bent on making his goals come true. “When I start to feel this way, I dig deep and remember I’m on a mission. Whether you realize it or not, you’re on a mission too. We’re all chasing something.”

“Some dream or goal that will make us better people, make our lives more fulfilling and make us proud of ourselves. Some days it’ll feel impossible to get there, but it’s not. We can get it. We will get it.”

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Can Lewis Hamilton finish his legendary F1 career with 8 world titles?