Sir Lewis Hamilton has indicated this week that he intends to race on in 2022, which has to be seen as good news for Formula 1.
During a press conference ahead of the Portuguese Grand Prix this weekend, the 36-year-old seven-time world champion said he “planned to be here next year” in answer to a question about his recent test of the new 18in Pirelli tyres that will be used next season.
Are you groaning or cheering? For me, it’s great. I make no apology for my admiration of Hamilton. But the best bit is it would mean a continuation of what's already looking like a classic duel with Max Verstappen this season, in the wake of Red Bull’s rejuvenation.
We’ve lost so many great rivalries over the years: Sir Stirling Moss retired with injury before Jim Clark hit his stride in the 1960s; then Clark died before Sir Jackie Stewart and Tyrrell became a force; Stewart retired before Niki Lauda and Ferrari shone in the 1970s; and Ayrton Senna was killed just as his rivalry with Michael Schumacher was firing up.
Hamilton versus Verstappen could be among the best we’ve seen. Let’s not lose it just as it’s getting good, especially as we’ve waited so long for it to spark.
If Hamilton does race on, it has a big knock-on effect for George Russell and Valtteri Bottas. As their Imola collision highlighted, there’s palpable tension between this pair, because only one of them can partner Hamilton at the best team on the grid if Hamilton doesn’t quit. And the odds are massively in Russell’s favour.
So, what will happen to Bottas? He’s struggling right now but, at 31, he’s far from spent. Given the Mercedes link, if I were running Aston Martin, I would sign him in place of Sebastian Vettel.
Leaving Mercedes will be tough for the Finn, but Aston would be a chance to refocus in a manner expected of Vettel at the moment. He would be a great signing.
READ MORE
Lewis Hamilton signs Mercedes-AMG F1 deal for 2021 season
Join the debate
Add your comment
When Lewis starts to make unforced errors like running into the back of other cars for no good reason that's a sign of needing to to retire, until then when he can still burn his rivals and he still has all his faculties...race on. Damon hill won his first championship at the same age Lewis is now, not certain if there were the same calls for him to retire. Lewis "my tyres are shot" Hamilton still sending it to them". I read that Nico Rosburg made a statement suggesting that Bottas is "finding out how good Lewis really is", that says a lot considering he was Lewis' former team mate.
I think it's great the Lewis wishes to continue to race. He has proven he is the best racer ever and we will miss him once he's gone. Just don't retire and then try to make a comeback like Schuey!
At the moment, there are only one or two teams who have a slim chance of winning the odd race which depends on the Mercedes having a bad race, and if your in the best car, a car that's more reliable than the rest, your going to finish top two most of the races, so, Hamilton,multiple champion, Britain's best for decades,is only as good as his car?, how would he do in a Lotus, or an Alpine or for for fun, an Aston Martin?, I acknowledge what he's done, he never gives up unless it's really futile,but let's just acknowledge to, that he's in the right Car.