Ex-F1 Champion on Key Mercedes Factor in Lewis Hamilton’s Retirement Decision: “Like a Diamond Being Ripped Out of Your Hands”

There is still speculation regarding Lewis Hamilton’s future in Formula One following the events of the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 7-time world champion had an epic battle with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. However, it was the Dutch driver who came out on top and denied Hamilton his eighth title. Interestingly, 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve believes the Knight’s fate on the grid depends on what kind of car Mercedes can provide.

Villeneuve thinks that Lewis doesn’t want to experience that again, and hopes that the Brackley-based outfit can give him a title-winning car.

1997 world champion gives his take on Lewis Hamilton’s future

The Silver Arrows have dominated the grid ever since the turbo-hybrid era started. Even though they won their eighth constructors’ title in the sport, the team missed out on a drivers’ championship for the first time in 2021 during this period. Seeing that in 2022 there will be a new era of racing, the Canadian thinks Hamilton’s future depends on the car the Toto Wolff-led team can give him.

As quoted from Speedweek, Villeneuve said, “It probably depends on the car that Mercedes Hamilton will give whether he can easily win with it or not. Lewis is also a little more tired than in previous years, he had an easy game after Nico Rosberg’s GP farewell, but last season was hard and I think he doesn’t want to experience another year like the last one.”

“He thought he could easily win the eighth title, but that didn’t happen. It’s like a diamond that you’re teared out of your hands. The way it happened was much more painful than if Verstappen had led the whole race,” he concluded. (Translated from German via Google)

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Who will drive alongside the Knight in 2022?

After five years with the Silver Arrows, the team parted ways with Valtteri Bottas. The Brackley-based squad brought in George Russell from Williams to partner Hamilton for the forthcoming Formula One season.

With the new season just around the corner, what are your expectations from the Mercedes duo? Let us know in the comments section down below.

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