Ex-world champion Damon Hill believes Lewis Hamilton could retire after the season that begins soon if Mercedes struggles again in 2023.
The 62-year-old told the “Evening Standard”: “If the chances get worse rather than better, it will become more difficult for him to perform at his best.”
“He’s someone who gets inspired by the opportunity to win. The chance to finish fifth isn’t really enough motivation for Lewis. Considering his incredible résumé, he might be asking himself, ‘Why do I have to keep going like this?’ if with no chance of winning in sight,” continued Hill.
Hill safe: Hamilton only wants the eighth world title
At some point he himself “had had enough of driving Formula 1 cars”. After his 1996 world title, Hill switched to Danka Arrows Yamaha. He then spent his last two years in the premier class of motorsport with Jordan. In those three years he only managed one win.
If Jordan has his way, Hamilton would have left Formula 1 long ago: “The eighth world title was within reach and then he was denied it. That’s the only reason why he came back and continued: the hope of winning that eighth title. I think that’s his only motivation. I don’t think he just wants to race.”
In 2021, the Brit lost what he thought was a world title on the last lap of the last race after a controversial safety car decision caused Max Verstappen to dig his hooves behind Hamilton when he restarted with fresh tires.
Formula 1: Can Mercedes win races again in 2023?
“At 37 he still has a few seasons ahead of him, but he doesn’t have 10 years left. It will only be one or two more. But when you’ve spent so many years in Formula 1 it’s not that appealing anymore to pull your socks up and fight for fourth place,” Hill said.
It remains to be seen whether Mercedes built a winning car for the seven-time world champion during the winter break. The bolide showed itself to be significantly improved compared to the test drives of the past year. However, team boss Toto Wolff and Hamilton’s teammate George Russell lowered expectations ahead of the season opener in Bahrain.