Lewis Hamilton Boldly Given Only One Year to Get “That Eighth” or Else He Might Sooner Win the Lottery

Lewis Hamilton had an uncharacteristic 2022 season without a win or a championship challenge. Hamilton finished a career-worst P6 in the championship. Though he was out of the title contention this year, Lewis recovered his form in the 2nd half of the season. Despite a rocky start with experimental setups, the Briton has rejuvenated well to gear up for 2023.

While mounting a title challenge next season would be tough, with the transformation of Max Verstappen to a super-consistent world champion driver, if anyone can race Max for the title, it’s Lewis Hamilton. The 2021 season was evidence of the same and as per Dutch driver Tom Coronel, Lewis has not lost it despite a tough 2022.

In a season round-up for the FORMULE 1 magazine, Coronel spoke about how Hamilton has nothing to prove or lose, and can easily go for his 8th title. He said, “It is clever how he [Lewis Hamilton] has recovered [in 2022], and that he now wants to continue even longer.”

“Because with him you could easily think: you’ve seen it anyway, what do you still have to prove? So that drive is there and that is unprecedented, because he doesn’t have to do it for money, fame, or unfinished business.”

Cornel further mentioned how Hamilton is motivated to get that 8th championship. He said, “He just wants that eighth title and even if it stays far away next year, Hamilton has more chance of becoming champion than someone winning the State Lottery. Again: clever.”

Read More: 2023 Battle Lines Already Drawn As Lewis Hamilton Sends a Strong Message to Max Verstappen & Co.: “This Year Has Really Prepared Us…”

If Mercedes gives Hamilton a good car in 2023, a Lewis Hamilton title challenge is possible. The question is, can they translate this promise into reality?

Can Lewis Hamilton mount a 2023 title challenge?

Mercedes has put in an insane amount of development to achieve some great results in the 2nd half of 2022. Thus, it seems plausible that they can fight for wins and championships next season. With a strong driver line-up in Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, Mercedes might aim for a 2023 title challenge.

Though, the question will be: Can they deliver on the promised hopes given so far? It’s one thing to claim a comeback, but can Hamilton or Russell execute the comeback well next year?

The way Hamilton and Russell have consistently performed this year is certainly a good sign for the future. Especially Lewis, who gained from a stable setup since Canada and produced a streak of podiums and strong results.

The Hamilton will look to maximize the potential of the W14 (Mercedes’ 2023 car). The only major obstacle he may have to face is Max Verstappen.

Going up against Verstappen won’t be similar to what it was. Hamilton will have to face a double-world champion Verstappen, a 25-time race winner in the last 2 seasons.

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While they have their collisions, a Hamilton-Verstappen title battle will promise a nail-biting season for sure. What do you think? Can Hamilton overcome Verstappen in 2023 for an 8th championship title?