If Lewis Hamilton does retire, McLaren boss Zak Brown says he would not be surprised – Why he still believes the Briton will stay
McLaren CEO Zak Brown warns against assuming Lewis Hamilton will return to Formula One for sure after missing out on his eighth world championship title in controversial circumstances at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
With just over a month to go before the start of the first pre-season test in Barcelona, rumours of the Mercedes driver’s retirement persist. While the 37-year-old Briton continues to remain silent, it is said that he will wait for the outcome of the FIA investigation before making a decision.
“I wouldn’t be shocked if he quit,” Brown says. “So I don’t think it should be taken for granted that he will come back. My personal opinion is that he will come back, but I don’t think we should ignore or not acknowledge his frustration and his anger. “
Brown: Hamilton at “peak of his ability “
“Maybe he hasn’t made a decision yet. Maybe he’s taking his time to make that decision, to make sure. Because once the decision is made, it’s made. So I don’t think we should rule it out or take it lightly,” Brown cautions.
He believes Hamilton still has a “burning desire” to race. “That will ultimately influence his decision, but that’s just my theory. “
“But I think he will come back. He’s a racing driver. He’s at the top of his game. Sure, he’s very angry. But I think racers want to race. And I think he’s a fighter. He will come back and try to get his eighth title,” says the McLaren CEO.
Mercedes contract extended to 2023 in summer
Hamilton narrowly failed to do so last season after a last-lap overtake by Red Bull rival Max Verstappen denied him victory and the title after Hamilton had led the Grand Prix until a late safety car period.
He had already extended his contract with Mercedes in the summer until the end of 2023, but after the events in Abu Dhabi doubts arose as to whether he would actually fulfil it. Even team boss Toto Wolff did not rule out a retirement of the Briton.
But McLaren colleague Brown says: “I don’t think he’s ready to retire. That’s my own personal opinion on it. Because once you stop, you stop. I guess you could come back, like some have, but I don’t think he’s ready to quit. “
Brown recognises greatest strength in Hamilton’s calmness
“And I don’t think he’s going to let an incident like this drive him to retire,” the US American insists, adding, “I think Lewis is one of the most intelligent racing drivers. And he seems to be very focused when he’s in the race car. I’ve never really seen him drive emotionally.”
“If you look at the race in Saudi Arabia, what an incredible drive and he kept his cool. He also kept his cool in Brazil,” Brown said, referring to two races Hamilton won after duels with Verstappen.
“There’s a reason he’s won seven titles. As upset as he might be, I don’t see that changing his driving style when he puts the helmet on. “
