Lewis Hamilton Reflects on His Retirement Plans Ahead of 2022 F1 Season

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has admitted that he reevaluates his future goals after every Formula 1 season. The 37-year old returns to the Silver Arrows after heavy speculation about his possible retirement. This came in the aftermath of the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix season finale.

In 2022, Hamilton will join new teammate George Russell as Mercedes hopes to continue their dominance in F1. In a recent interview, the 7-time champion spoke about being denied a chance to create history in 2021.

He said, “Naturally, at the end of any season for those who are around my age, of course you are thinking about the future. You are thinking about what are the next steps, what are the right steps for you to take, what is right for you in terms of overall happiness.”

Read More: Report: Max Verstappen Signs Historic F1 Deal With Red Bull Racing After Maiden Championship

“I always evaluate all my options but I did make a commitment to the team earlier on in the season. I know I say it so many times but I love working with everyone towards a common goal, I feel like I am at my best so why do I need to leave,” he added.

The controversy arose when race director Michael Masi decided to let lapped cars overtake the safety car during the final laps of the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP. This enabled Verstappen, who was on faster and fresher tires, to overtake his rival and win the title. Mercedes filed two appeals to the FIA over the decision, which were later rejected.

Lewis Hamilton Ready To Go Again With the W13 in 2022

After admitting that the loss was a “difficult time” in his career, Hamilton will be hungry to avenge the disappointment of 2021. The Brit also said that the team have the “ultimate goal of the world championship, raising the bar and doing something no one has ever done before”. The Brackley-headquartered team has been immovable from the top of the Constructors’ Standings in the last 8 years.

However, with the new regulations, Mercedes is expected to welcome new contenders to the fight for the throne in 2022. The likes of Ferrari and McLaren will be hoping to narrow the gap at the top. Team Principal Toto Wolff will be wary of Red Bull again while getting to grips with the new regulations.

Watch This Story: Lewis Hamilton Quickest On The Final Day Of Pre-Season Testing at Barcelona

The season could be absolutely pivotal for Sir Lewis Hamilton, as he aims to create history yet again by chasing his 8 world title.