Four F1 Drivers Likely to Retire After the 2021 Season

The 2021 season already hints at a new era in Formula 1. This past decade saw several modifications to the sport, such as the advent of the hybrid engines, Mercedes‘ domination, Ferrari‘s downfall, and a lot more.

The new decade comes with a new promise of making the F1 competition interesting again. This era has witnessed seven straight years of Mercedes’ rule as the Silver Arrows established a record run. However, did that benefit the sport as a whole?

Besides the Mercedes army, every other fan of the sport complains of monotony. With the same colors on the podium every weekend, the competition has just lost its spark. Well, the FIA promises to get it back and turn over a new leaf in 2022.

With that being said, the circuit may lose some faces in 2022. Their time with F1 has been quite brilliant and now they might ‘call it a day’ soon. However, they will give it another big try, letting fate decide their future.

Kimi Raikkonen

‘The Iceman’ of F1, Kimi Raikkonen turned 40 a few months ago. The Alfa Romeo pilot bagged the FIA Action of the Year Award this year, as his hot lap at the Portuguese Grand Prix this season was indeed worthy of the prize.

While leaders like Hamilton and Verstappen struggled to get a grip on the tarmac, the Finn glided his way from P16 to P6.

Nonetheless, it is his second decade in the sport and he must be tired. Raikkonen’s stint in 2020 saw several questions raised about his future. After grabbing the record of most Grand Prix starts, Raikkonen might want to rest after 2021.

READ MORE – WATCH: Relive Kimi Raikkonen’s Electrifying Opening Lap Which Earned Him the Action of the Year Award

Sebastian Vettel

It does not get any worse for the youngest champion in the history of F1 as Sebastian Vettel saw the worst phase of his career over the last two years. Although he joined Ferrari on the back of four championships, since then he has had six straight title droughts.

The German pilot could not see any future with Ferrari. To aggravate matters, he was released from the Italian camp earlier this year.

Vettel could not even see a future in F1 until Racing Point signed him for the 2021 season. His career is at stake next season with Aston Martin and many claim that his future proposes a bleak possibility of success.

Vettel will wish that his stint with Aston Martin takes off. Else, this will possibly be his last season.

READ MORE – ‘He Understood Me’ Sebastian Vettel Names the Most Important Person at Ferrari During His F1 Stint

Fernando Alonso

The Spaniard returns to F1 after a break of two years, after leaving in 2018 due to monotony in the sport. He also had several complaints about McLaren’s efficiency during the time. However, he is back and looks ready to take on the challenge.

Many predict that his comeback will end in failure again. His style and form faced severe criticism earlier and his critics feel that previous issues remain. If Alonso fails in 2021, there might not be another comeback.

READ MORE – Sainz Tips Fernando Alonso to Be a Bigger Threat Than Ricciardo at Renault

Lewis Hamilton

This may come as a shock to everyone. However, there is a high possibility of Lewis retiring from the sport after 2021.

Lewis is undeniably the best in his era and has dominated the decade from every angle. However, we speak this after a lot of thought.

Lewis needs to win just one more championship to overtake Michael Schumacher and establish his own record. After that, the champion might as well like to leave on a high. He has achieved what he had to and the great driver could go out in style, as a champion.

READ MORE – Lewis Hamilton: ‘I Pretty Much Can Do Anything I Want Moving Forward’