Has Lewis Hamilton given up? Is he hurting? So many questions arise for several Hamilton and Formula 1 fans after his many dull and shocking performances in the 2022 season. The seven-time world champion has not felt naturally confident in the car, and even former teammate Jenson Button has raised questions now!
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Button has previously worked with the former world champion and, like many, also had doubts in mind. Notably, Hamilton back in Spain dropped to the last place after a collision on Lap 1. Shockingly, the 37-year-old asked team Mercedes to retire the car and save the engine. Maybe this was an indication of the possible mental turmoil this season has given him.
Has Lewis Hamilton given up mentally?
Button spoke in-depth about Hamilton’s current situation and assessed the possible factors contributing to it. The former world champion said: “Lewis, as we all know, is one of the best in the world, if not the best in the world at driving a Formula 1 car. He will be competitive again – if he wants to be. That’s the thing.”
“Maybe he thinks his career is over and he wants to go and do something else.”
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Sadly, Sir Hamilton has faced constant comparisons to George Russell this year. The young Briton sits ahead of Hamilton in his first year at Mercedes and has consistently displayed a strong front. Though Mercedes has struggled immensely for the first time in many years, Russell’s calm and consistency have been lauded.
Why is George performing better?
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With high-speed circuits like Baku and Montreal up next on the calendar, the Silver Arrows might struggle. Moreover, Hamilton, specifically, has been more prone to arguable bad luck and bad car performance. Russell has comparatively managed the pressure better and has finished in the top 5 consistently.
Button further explained the differences between the two, “Because George is driving a car that is actually better than what he was used to [at Williams], it’s given him confidence and he can push a bit harder.”
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So, what are your thoughts on the whole Hamilton situation? Can he make a comeback after his consistent pace struggles with the car?