When will Hamilton retire?
Poll: When will Hamilton retire?
Total Members Polled: 210
Discussion
There is bound to be a reason (to which we are not privy) why he signed a new two year contract early on this year - when normally he waits until the end of the season.
Whether that's down to him realising this year won't be a championship winning year so better to get a good deal while he could, or Toto trying to avoid another Rosberg retirement - we can't know.
But if Hamilton did quit at the end of the year (he has said before he wants to see someone else take on the Championship rather than retiring "undefeated") that would leave Mercedes a little short, making Russell the team leader would be a bit rough on him in his first year!
Whether that's down to him realising this year won't be a championship winning year so better to get a good deal while he could, or Toto trying to avoid another Rosberg retirement - we can't know.
But if Hamilton did quit at the end of the year (he has said before he wants to see someone else take on the Championship rather than retiring "undefeated") that would leave Mercedes a little short, making Russell the team leader would be a bit rough on him in his first year!
I think it's a question Hamilton himself probably won't be able to answer.
My opinion is that he'll be for sure there next season, after that will probably be down on how the new car will perform under the new rules and how well he will go on with Russell.
If both car and relationship are ok and he'll be a title contender until the end of the season, I can see him a further year on-board, especially if the 2023 season might see him go for a 10th title.
My opinion is that he'll be for sure there next season, after that will probably be down on how the new car will perform under the new rules and how well he will go on with Russell.
If both car and relationship are ok and he'll be a title contender until the end of the season, I can see him a further year on-board, especially if the 2023 season might see him go for a 10th title.
I don't think it will be this year, I think he wants an 8th title, although I don't think he'll get it this year.
I think 2023 will be the most likely, it would give him 2 more chances to get it, and also enough of a "handover" to the next generation.
Curve ball might be if he/Merc don't adapt well to the new regs, or Russell consistently outperforms him next season. If so I wonder if he would go after 2022.
I think 2023 will be the most likely, it would give him 2 more chances to get it, and also enough of a "handover" to the next generation.
Curve ball might be if he/Merc don't adapt well to the new regs, or Russell consistently outperforms him next season. If so I wonder if he would go after 2022.
Well, I don’t think he’ll win this year and can quite easily see next year being far more difficult than hoped, whether that’s car disadvantage or the George factor.
Reason I mention this is when Lewis’ chin drops and he’s not happy doing what he’s doing he’ll be gone. End of ‘22 is my bet, contract or no contract. If he’s still winning on the other hand, he’ll see out his contract and go at the end of ‘23.
Reason I mention this is when Lewis’ chin drops and he’s not happy doing what he’s doing he’ll be gone. End of ‘22 is my bet, contract or no contract. If he’s still winning on the other hand, he’ll see out his contract and go at the end of ‘23.
Red9zero said:
I reckon he'll win this year, next year too, but with George snapping at his heels. He will then announce his retirement and stick to his clothing line and music. It would be nice to see him stick round F1 as some kind of young driver mentor though.
Have you seen his Fashion Range ? Have you heard his Music ?Just drive .....................
Red9zero said:
I reckon he'll win this year, next year too, but with George snapping at his heels. He will then announce his retirement and stick to his clothing line and music. It would be nice to see him stick round F1 as some kind of young driver mentor though.
I second this. I am expecting him to ensure he has more WDC than anyone is ever likely to be able to challenge then retire and let George take his WDC...LeoSayer said:
I think he'll keep going as long as he has a strong likelihood of winning further titles.
A Ferrari drive would no doubt entice him to stay longer although it's hard to see that happening any time soon gives the current Ferrari line up.
WHY ??A Ferrari drive would no doubt entice him to stay longer although it's hard to see that happening any time soon gives the current Ferrari line up.
When did Ferrari last win Drivers or Constructors Championship.
Yes it was that long ago
Unlike a lot of drivers that retire out of F1, as far as I'm aware, he doesn't have a family. Instead he has his other hobbies/businesses/interests. For him, he can partake in those other interests while still driving. I suspect he'll call it quits quite suddenly when he looses the love of the driving. I think it'll be a while.
It's not on the poll, but I think he'll retire at the end of his current deal in 2023.
He'll be nearly 39 then. Whilst he could continue at that age, I don't think it would be at a top-level team and I can't see him doing an Alonso or Raikkonen and stepping down to a midfield or back-of-the-grid team. It's not like he has anything to prove.
I don't think he's targeting a particular number of championships or wins - drivers don't tend to be motivated by 'round' numbers or similar. I think he's just keeping going whilst he can still run at the front and be at the top.
As for who replaces him - no idea. 2 years is a long time in F1. Verstappen might be looking to make a move by then, if he hasn't already, especially if he's won a title or two at Red Bull.
He'll be nearly 39 then. Whilst he could continue at that age, I don't think it would be at a top-level team and I can't see him doing an Alonso or Raikkonen and stepping down to a midfield or back-of-the-grid team. It's not like he has anything to prove.
I don't think he's targeting a particular number of championships or wins - drivers don't tend to be motivated by 'round' numbers or similar. I think he's just keeping going whilst he can still run at the front and be at the top.
As for who replaces him - no idea. 2 years is a long time in F1. Verstappen might be looking to make a move by then, if he hasn't already, especially if he's won a title or two at Red Bull.
LeoSayer said:
A Ferrari drive would no doubt entice him to stay longer although it's hard to see that happening any time soon gives the current Ferrari line up.
Why on earth would he consider going to that shambolic team?His future is fully invested with Mercedes, he has at least one initiative with them. No way is he going to any other team with the possible exception of Aston Martin.
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