The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix arguably delivered the most controversial title-defining moment in Formula One, at least, since Michael Schumacher’s bitter move on Damon Hill in 1994 at Melbourne. Lewis Hamilton had the championship well within reach and was hardly a lap away from becoming the greatest of the greats.

But, we all know the cruel twist that reality had for the Briton! It was indeed a huge deal, as, for the first time in over five years, Hamilton had failed to defend his title. Hence, this led to a massive outcry amongst the fans – ‘Is this it? Will Lewis finally announce his retirement?’

Questions continued to accumulate but there were hardly any answers coming from the other end. Then arrived the comeback message from Hamilton himself; The Mercedes hero reckoned that the entire world would get to witness his best version yet over the 2022 season.

However, quite unfortunately, that hasn’t really aged well! Instead, Hamilton is in the midst of what looks like his worst season of the hybrid era. So, with Mercedes showing no signs of resurgence, what next for Hamilton?

Future of Lewis Hamilton in F1

Hamilton is certainly one of those drivers that wish to see off their career at the absolute peak. Remember his childhood rival, Nico Rosberg? The German was smart enough to sense that his moment had come and decided to end his career with the 2016 championship trophy in hand.

Hamilton, on the other hand, knew he still had the best car on the grid and with Rosberg’s absence, there weren’t many rivals in play either. Furthermore, Mercedes’ mismanagement of Valtteri Bottas was the icing on the cake for the seven-time world champion. Hence, it is safe to say that Hamilton capitalized on the favorable conditions which rewarded him with the four titles between 2017 and 2020.

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And now, five years since the Rosberg defeat, Hamilton is finding himself in a similar situation after having lost to Verstappen in the 2021 title fight. Only in this case, the future doesn’t seem as promising as it did following the 2016 season, thanks to Mercedes’ awry start to the new era.

Hence, Hamilton is possibly left with two choices!

What are the options left for Hamilton?

Are Mercedes challenging for the title anytime soon? Absolutely not! We can certainly write off the Brackley outfit’s chances of finishing at the top of the standings this year. And, with the cost cap in place, it would be a surprise if Mercedes manage to challenge for titles again over the next couple of seasons.

Hence, what can Hamilton do from here? One, play the waiting game. Unfortunately, his age might eventually come as a factor. Being 37 already, Hamilton might just not have enough time in hand to clinch the eighth title. Meaning, he would have to be pleased with the fact that he’s equalled Schumacher’s greatest record in F1 and end his career before Mercedes falls further apart.

The other option is following Fernando Alonso‘s footsteps. At the age of 40, the Spaniard has zero pressure to deliver and is seemingly enjoying his final racing stint at Alpine. Similarly, if Hamilton does enjoy racing, unbothered about the results and feels fit enough to chip in another year or two to his massive racing career, he could well continue to do so!

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But, which path is he going to choose? Will he continue to remain a part of this young-looking grid? Or will he end his astounding racing career and march towards his other interests?