How realistic is it that Hamilton will leave Formula 1 in 2022?

10:00, 17 Jan 2022
44 Comments

Lewis Hamilton has not spoken publically since the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and rumors of a possible retirement are swirling. Editors of GPblog NL and UK were asked whether they actually see the seven-time world champion retiring.

Aryaan Jena - Editor GPblog UK

It is highly unlikely that Lewis Hamilton will retire in 2022. As of now, he is contracted to drive for Mercedes this year. He has not spoken publicly or on social media since the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and has provided no indication that he is pondering retirement.

Claims that the seven-time champion is considering leaving F1 are likely an effort to place commercial pressure on the FIA to conduct an honest and thorough investigation, and to hold Michael Masi accountable for breaking the sporting regulations to force a restart in Abu Dhabi. As it stands, Lewis Hamilton is the most well-known driver in F1. There are athletes that transcend the scope of their respective sports. Figures like Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, and Wayne Gretzky have risen to global stardom. Everyone knows who Tiger Woods is, even if they don’t watch golf.

Lewis Hamilton is an athlete of that elite stature; his presence outside of F1 and association with other celebrities have helped to bring in new fans who otherwise wouldn’t have known about F1. Losing Hamilton would be a blow to the sport, similar to how it was when Schumacher retired.

In terms of his capabilities, Lewis Hamilton is still inarguably one of the best drivers in the sport. Although 2021 wasn’t his most refined campaign, he delivered outstanding performances in Bahrain, Spain, Brazil, and Abu Dhabi (notwithstanding the safety car controversy). That there are only two or three drivers capable of challenging Hamilton at the age of 37 is a testament to his skill; retiring now would be premature. The Briton has tasted defeat before and come back stronger. By returning and winning the elusive eighth championship, he can cement his legacy as an all-time great.

Jordi Smit - Editor GPblog NL

As a seven-time world champion, Hamilton has the winner's mentality in his blood like no other. However, the many world titles meant that he no longer knew the feeling of losing, until December 2021. Although he is reportedly hesitant to continue, the fighting spirit to take the record away from Michael Schumacher will be stronger. Hamilton, therefore, seems to be putting pressure solely on the FIA to change things within the Formula One world, but in my expectation has long since made his decision: to continue at Mercedes.

Rishi Wig - Editor GPblog UK

The last lap shootout at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix left several people across the world with a bad taste in their mouth, none more so than Lewis Hamilton himself. Ever since the incident, the seven-time world champion has only made one public appearance: to receive his knightship.

As such, the decision to leave the sport is a near-impossible one, but cannot be completely ruled out. It will be more likely that Hamilton will return to the sport, but will be visibly disassociated with the sport around him for a period of time. He will inevitably return to the cockpit for the German manufacturer and be ready to support the team in another title assault. Even then, for such a successful driver as him, racing is his life. While this incident may mark the worst spot in his career, he will not let go of the competitive spirit and the determination to break all records set before. The competition must be wary of the re-energised Hamilton behind the wheel, ready to achieve more and more.

Femke Notermans - Editor GPblog NL

I can't imagine that Hamilton is really going to stop, especially since he still has the chance to break Michael Schumacher's record. Still, his silence on social media is striking, and reports that he wants to wait for the results of the FIA's investigation are not surprising. Should nothing change about the organisation at the FIA, I can imagine Hamilton being done with it. The Briton has enough other passions that he can occupy himself with. However, the results will not be announced until March, just a short time before the start of the season. Hamilton needs time to process the results from Abu Dhabi, but I expect he will only come back stronger. His anger will eventually turn into additional motivation to go for that eighth world title in 2022.

Matt Gretton - Editor-in-Chief GPblog UK

The following saying ‘silence speaks louder than words’ rings true for this occasion. Ultimately, Hamilton’s silence after the Abu Dhabi Grand and subsequent out of character outage on social media has been the biggest fuel for the exit rumours and suspicions. The way the title-deciding moment was taken out of his hands in Abu Dhabi is bound to hurt, that’s part and parcel of sport. But it’s not the sole reason why he lost the title: brake magic in Baku and Alonso’s defence in Hungary are two examples where it was in Hamilton’s hands.

Flashback 12 months and we were actually in a similar situation whereby we expected Hamilton to be on the grid but there was a doubt over his future. Last year it was the lack of a signed contract. Despite the controversial circumstances, Hamilton himself has always used the motto, ‘keep fighting’ and there’s no better time to prove that spirit. I fully expect him to take his place on the grid next season, it would look weak otherwise. It’s highly likely that he will return. The longer this goes on, though the rumours will continue to escalate, the more likely it is he will return because it keeps giving Mercedes a shorter time to find and contract a replacement.

Tim Kraaij - Editor-in-Chief GPblog NL

In my opinion, the rumour mill about a possible retirement of Lewis Hamilton is nothing but an attempt by Mercedes to put pressure on the FIA. Last year, there was also a long silence around Hamilton, who then took a long time in his contract negotiations with Mercedes (perhaps then also deliberately). However, the Brit has a contract and at Mercedes, they don't seem to care either.

According to the German Bild, Mercedes are not at all looking for a replacement for the seven-time world champion. If he was really considering leaving, you would expect Mercedes to have made some inroads with other drivers in January. However, that is not the case.

I just expect Hamilton back at the start of the new season. For a driver with so much drive to get back up every time after a setback ("still I rise"), it would be very special if he quit F1 after a setback. He is in a perfect situation with Mercedes to win that eighth world title and I can't imagine him missing out on that opportunity.

44 Comments
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Zvezdan Jasovic 17 January 2022 at 17:09+ 7811

The best part is he and his fans think we would feel any different about it. I couldn’t care less mate if you wanna retire good for you . Enjoy it what can I say it’s your choice

TeamBwoaahh 17 January 2022 at 15:24+ 3451

I would like him to leave so better young drivers can have a seat….but this is so Lewis…creating drama when he never intended to leave at all…i never liked the guy but i respected what he did in 2007…his Merc championships were all too easy…i dont know if he honestly feels like a 7 time champ coz he was largely unchallenged

Jeroentje 17 January 2022 at 13:28+ 20219

So is everyone that also commented normally in the other article forgot to being normal whenever they open a different article? Try to stop with the insults to whatever driver or person it is directed to. Is noone besides me sick and tired of the bs on here the past 1.5 months? Start acting as normal human beings and as F1 fans. We all favor 1 driver, who cares? We can respect other opinions and have normal discussions about it. Maybe it will change the others view to see it from a different perspective, maybe not. Don't lose the respect we can all have as human beings. Start with yourself first and call others to follow being normal please :)

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MabMav 17 January 2022 at 13:21+ 9040

Fighting for a 8th World, he'll be back. I'm sure he wants the record all to himself and.not shared with Schumacher. I don't see him walking away being of any benefit to himself and Merc. Lewis has said many times how much respect he had for Laude,now if Laude could come back from his inferno crash,than Ham should be able to come back from a controversial decision .

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SUPERMAX 17 January 2022 at 13:15+ 3101

I made him retire :) Muahahahaha

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Stevesyd 17 January 2022 at 12:45+ 36119

Hamilton has dug himself into a big hole and he is the only one that can get himself out of it. Don't think he has it in him given everything has been handed to him on a platter his whole career. Nup, he's finished.

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Grae Says 17 January 2022 at 13:07+ 2948

I think you are right that he does not have that desire, drive and determination to go through this anymore, hence why I said he would be needing to dig deeper than ever before. I think he was so sure he was getting that 8th title that he was already not motivated to do another season. As you said he's dug that hole himself.

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Stevesyd 17 January 2022 at 14:12+ 36119

They had the party ready to go after Abu Dhabi to celebrate 8 Fake WC's and Lucy announce his retirement and Max killed it in 1 lap. Priceless.

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Lewis HAM-ilton 17 January 2022 at 17:55+ 2726

Steve I was ready to crowd surf and let the public enjoy being around me.

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Grae Says 17 January 2022 at 18:33+ 2948

Exactly, oh dear what a mess lol

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Grae Says 17 January 2022 at 12:39+ 2948

He was all set to retire had he won in Abu Dhabi and he believed he was going to, that's why he's gone in to meltdown. He was mentally prepared for retirement and the cat has well and truly been put amongst the pigeons. He wants that 8th title but now is faced with going up against George with a whole set of new regulations in place. I believe he won't want to quit the sport like this but the thought of grinding out another season with Max driving at such a high and consistent level is not what he is motivated to do anymore. Nico quit when he did and psychologically speaking Lewis is probably at that point in his mind. I hope he sees out his contract but to do that he will have to dig deeper and work harder than ever before.

usergpblog123 17 January 2022 at 13:24+ 628

I agree, if you look at interviews in the weeks before the last race he was kinda steering in the whole "I am going to help Russel become the new champion" Think his entire mindset was grab the title become No1 in world titels do one more season, let Russel win claim it was his lessons that led to it and retire. But now he isnt No1 he is still at 7 wins a shared achievement.

Shan_F1 17 January 2022 at 12:34+ 2538

Lewis's silence is just so deadly eg F1 social media guessing games and Maxfans losing their minds with uncertainty.... Now in LA w/Brad Pitt making his car movie, FIA are just eating from Hamilton's hand. He is just laughing along like: :*Sam Jackson=The Hateful Eight & Smithers episode * Leo Dicaprio= The Wolf on Wall St & FBI on his boat This is pure masterclass hahaha

Terry Murry 17 January 2022 at 12:44+ 326

Max fans are losing their minds, how true the venom spewing from Max fans of a title winner is very crazy and quite telling within itself. It is almost like they know the truth and the truth makes them very angry. They are very unhappy and obsessed with Lewis.

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Stevesyd 17 January 2022 at 12:48+ 36119

If I'm correct you are describing your tormented self. Max fans are in top of the world if im anything to go by. Sorry.

ALEXFRED 17 January 2022 at 13:10+ 1073

You are a pure example of MaxFan lunacy. And a true representative case for discussion later.. .

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Zvezdan Jasovic 17 January 2022 at 17:26+ 7811

Lol man you can’t be more delusional than that. Rb fans enjoy trolling you here but me personally I couldn’t be happier with Max being world champion, and many others are happy I’m sure. Venom spewing ? Mate your buddies are talking about Kryat baby and they call people ‘white trash’ which is low as it can be. And if you ask me and many others I would be glad if Hamilton retires, people are fed up with his bs, he made whole sport woke and people don’t like it , next season will be paradise without him.

Terry Murry 17 January 2022 at 12:00+ 326

Don't think he will stick around if Masi remains it is as simple as that, but I feel someone like Lewis has many protects to commit to so it will be okay for him. I would probably only watch F1 if George or whoever replaces him can race at Lewis's high and consistent levels, if not I will switch off.

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Stevesyd 17 January 2022 at 12:51+ 36119

Thats the excuse he'll use but we know it's the excuse of a coward not a real champion.

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Lewis HAM-ilton 17 January 2022 at 11:52+ 2726

I'm the GOAT. I'm a Brand. I am the glue that holds the sport together. I am Sir Lewi SHAM-ilton.

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SUPERMAX 17 January 2022 at 13:36+ 3101

I just learned your real nickname is Lucy.....nice to meet you.....I am the one you send to hospital in Silverstone.....remember?

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Zvezdan Jasovic 17 January 2022 at 17:12+ 7811

He’s on your side man, chill you’re new around here you’ll get to it.

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Lewis HAM-ilton 17 January 2022 at 17:45+ 2726

@Zvezdan Jasovic Thanks for stepping in man, I was about to pull the victim card ...

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Zvezdan Jasovic 17 January 2022 at 17:54+ 7811

Yeah of course,that always works ?

Ferrarifanatic 17 January 2022 at 11:12+ 14286

In every sport sporting legends eventually retire. Bjorn Borg, tennis, Jack Nicklaus Golf, Pele Football. Schumacher. Senna, Prost, Lauda, Hunt, Fittapaldi, Scheckter all F1. Did the sports disappear after these legends retired. NO!! Nobody is bigger than the sport. Hamilton might think he is in his little narcissistic world, but he is not. To go down as a legend in a sport, you need to carry yourself with dignity, pride and humility. Both your fans and your non- fans should respect you. Unfortunately for Lewis Hamilton, he will miss out on true legendary status through his entitled behavior.

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Stevesyd 17 January 2022 at 10:18+ 36119

"As a seven-time world champion, Hamilton has the winner's mentality in his blood like no other" Turn 5? ????????

Tristen 17 January 2022 at 11:09+ 2508

At least none was gifted by the FIA??7 eorld titles vs 1 gifted title. Explains why those 7 titles are living rent free in your head on a daily basis

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Stevesyd 17 January 2022 at 12:43+ 36119

Have to admit turn 5 crosses my mind every day and it makes me feel fantastic if that's what you are inferring. Guilty.

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Zvezdan Jasovic 17 January 2022 at 17:08+ 7811

They gonna rename turn 5 in Abu Dhabi it’s gonna be called ‘choker’s curve’

Tristen 17 January 2022 at 19:07+ 2508

Rename jeddah corner crashtappen corner after Max's qualifying crash? Or call spa turn 2 crashtappen corner after Max's crash in FP?

Tristen 18 January 2022 at 15:26+ 2508

No Lewis was fetching max in brazil. MAX had a lead of 2 seconds there. In abu dhabilewis was doing the same lap times as max was doing and lewis had older tyres. Max had no chance. So masi had to give it to him

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Zvezdan Jasovic 18 January 2022 at 14:41+ 7811

Man when you can have a lead of 50 seconds but when safety car happens you lose all your advantage and that’s the part of sport from forever. I thought you knew that already. Max had around 6 seconds advantage in Brazil before last safety car and guess what happened on restart with those 6 seconds ? Gone

Tristen 18 January 2022 at 08:08+ 2508

So the brazil corner where lewis passed max should also be called chokers corner? The abu dhabi race can be named after Masi's manipulated gifts or 12+ seconds because that is the lead which lewis had over max ??

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Zvezdan Jasovic 17 January 2022 at 20:14+ 7811

I get what you’re saying, but it’s not iconic enough nothing that important happened in those corners. While turn 5 in. Abu Dhabi is where the legendary choking happened.

WildWeasel 17 January 2022 at 10:17+ 2327

Lu Lu is done with F1. He may come back only to do his retirement tour and support Russell

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Stevesyd 17 January 2022 at 10:16+ 36119

Firstly, who cares? Secondly, whilst we agree Lucy isn't the sharpest tool in the shed he isn't completely insane. Hope he knows better than to subject himself to more of the masterclass punishment The World Champ unleashed on him in 2021. Nup, time to hang up your pearls Lucy.

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Bret 17 January 2022 at 10:49+ 43891

he started off nicely......was humble in the beginning but greed showed his true colours....people change when they want to go to any lengths to achieve their desires...was a fan until silverstone.....after that lost all respect as a driver, and as a human being!

Vish 17 January 2022 at 15:13+ 14459

You were a fan, really? Don't talk crap please

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MaxinegiftedKvyatBaby 17 January 2022 at 10:05+ 1211

All they want to do is talk about Lewis. Maxine who? ? Even Rico(??) has stopped returning Maxines messages since the investigation started ?

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Stevesyd 17 January 2022 at 10:17+ 36119

Blah blah blah. *crickets*

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SUPERMAX 17 January 2022 at 13:32+ 3101

we are talking about garbage, ofcourse I wont be mentioned because im the champ....thats why everyone is talking about Loser L....because the topic is how to get rid of garbage in F1

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Game on-x4 17 January 2022 at 10:02+ 46571

Please leave the sport........Please!!

Vish 17 January 2022 at 15:10+ 14459

Please stop watching F1, please

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Game on-x4 18 January 2022 at 07:28+ 46571

And miss TURN-5 hahahaha