Domenicali on Hamilton: "It is crucial that he feels comfortable in Formula 1"
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- GPblog.com
Stefano Domenicali hopes that Lewis Hamilton will extend his stay in Formula 1 beyond the current season. According to the former Ferrari team boss, the Mercedes driver belongs in the pinnacle of motor sport. Domenicali also thinks that Hamilton can achieve his eighth World Championship victory this year, although Max Verstappen will not make it easy for him.
After actually being without a contract for a couple of weeks, a deal for the British driver with Mercedes was finally agreed, but Hamilton only signed for one year. Domenicali was asked by Auto Bild Domenicali if he is afraid of losing Hamilton after next season and if possibly Hamilton will think it's enough when he has broken Michael Schumacher's record of seven world titles.
"Lewis is important. In the first place, an incredible challenge awaits him: namely, to become the first and only driver with eight World Cup titles. So he will focus on that. Of course, he is also actively campaigning against racism and for diversity. It is crucial that he feels comfortable in Formula 1, because that is where he belongs and that is where we and the fans want to see him," Domenicali told the German media.
Verstappen major challenger
The Italian, who replaced Chase Carey as CEO of Liberty Media last year, is "confident" that Hamilton can grab his eighth world championship in 2021. "Even though it won't be easy, because at the top it's getting more and more exciting. He has to be fully concentrated and drive perfectly. The competition will not make it easy for him. Max Verstappen will also be looking for his first world title. The ingredients for an exciting season are there."
The Bahrain Grand Prix already proved that last week. After a very exciting final stage the victory went to Lewis Hamilton. It is clear that the RB16B of Verstappen's team is very competitive, however.