A lack of progress on a new Mercedes deal for Hamilton has led to speculation about his possible retirement from F1 or a move to another competitive team like Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton has been told he only has one option for his Formula 1 future if he wants to continue racing.
The 38-year-old Briton previously said he no longer wants to drive in Formula 1 when he turns 40. But he has since changed his mind on the subject, having rediscovered his true passion for the sport since missing out on the 2021 title in such controversial circumstances.
Both he and Toto Wolff committed at the end of last year to negotiate a new deal over the winter. However, a new Mercedes contract never materialized as Hamilton traveled the world in his spare time and the team focused on preparations for the 2023 season.
It didn’t start as well as hoped and so contract negotiations are once again on hold while every effort is made to improve the car’s competitiveness. With Hamilton’s current contract expiring at the end of this year, it has sparked plenty of speculation about his future.
Some reports have claimed he may decide to retire after all. Others suggest the seven-time world champion is so desperate to add to that collection that he would consider a move to another team if he felt they were better placed to win the title – Ferrari being the name, most commonly associated with him.
But Jenson Button can only see one result for his former McLaren teammate. The 2009 Formula One world champion isn’t convinced a viable move to another team will materialize, even though Hamilton is considering such a move.
“Well, he’s loyal, but I also don’t think he has the opportunities that he would want,” Button said. “I don’t really think he would have the opportunity at Red Bull – I don’t think he would be the right person next to Max [Verstappen].
“I don’t think he would be at Ferrari. Aston Martin? He’s definitely not going to Aston Martin – they have two seats that will be filled there for a while. I think his future will be.” at Mercedes but he is also a loyal character and it is good to see that he is going through some difficult times with this team.
“I think they’ll come out the other side together, you know? It’s a rollercoaster ride in Formula 1, especially when you’ve been at the top for so long there’s going to be a slump. But if you can stay with this team, you’ll get back to the top – he won’t retire.”
