Last year, fans saw a helpless Mercedes team, who despite working nonstop to better their machinery, ended up with a DNF for their star driver in the last race of the season. Lewis Hamilton’s final race of the year served as a season summary for the seven-time champion. However, an ex-F1 driver claims that Hamilton can be seen in a different light next year under one scenario.

Hamilton finished sixth this past season, But former Williams driver, Juan Pablo Montoya, believes the Mercedes ace still has what it takes. Montoya also feels that W-13’s lack of pace was the sole factor in the final outcome for the Brackley-based side, and If the former McLaren driver can get a vehicle that is competitive, he will surely be able to turn the tables for the German manufacturers.

So according to Juan Pablo Montoya, the one condition on which Hamilton can present a different picture of himself this time is if the Briton gets a winning machinery or not. Speaking with Motorsport Netherlands, Montoya said, ” Last year what happened at Mercedes was largely due to the problems the team had with the car. Lewis is a driver who, if there is an opportunity to shine, seizes it with both hands. If they have a winning car again, we will see a different Lewis.” [Translated via Google]

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Hamilton has been vying for his eighth world championship. But on the other hand, he has reached the age of 38 and hasn’t won a championship in the last two years. So, for the time being, the majority of people may wonder how long the great driver will continue competing. And to answer our questions, here is what Toto Wolff has said.

What’s next for Lewis Hamilton after season 2023?

Only two drivers have won seven World Championships in Formula 1. One of them has already left the sport while the other continues to compete in the hopes of taking home the eighth title. As per Hamilton’s current contract with the Silver Arrows, he has one more year left on the team. Team boss, Toto Wolff, however, has hinted that a new contract might be in the works.

The Mercedes boss told Auto Motor Und Sport, “I said very early on that Lewis will always have a seat with us. A decision is always discussed between us, and Lewis would be the first to say if he’s not enjoying it anymore or thinks he has deficits. In this respect, we want to continue and we will certainly negotiate as in previous years. I don’t see any indication that we need to change anything.”

Toto Wolff has not denied that Hamilton, despite having just turned 38, wants to continue with the team for longer. Hamilton’s camp is reportedly hoping to sign a two-year, $154 million deal to remain a Silver Arrows driver, followed by a ten-year, $274 million pact to serve as a Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador.

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Lewis Hamilton has a reputation for making comebacks. The seven-time champion’s last two seasons may have been heartbreaking, but who knows, if he could set the world record by winning his eighth championship in a record-breaking 23-race season. In light of this, do you believe the Englishman can win his eighth world championship in the upcoming season?