Former Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone has joined the chorus of those arguing that Lewis Hamilton should be punished far harsher for a collision at Silverstone with championship challenger Max Verstappen. Former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas might be dismissing speculation of Lewis Hamilton’s retirement from Formula One, saying that the Briton is desperate for more success, but ex-F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone believes that it is highly unlikely that the seven-time champion will come back to claim the title that he lost to Max Verstappen of Red Bull. While Lewis Hamilton’s current contract with Mercedes ends in 2023, ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has hinted at one point that the seven-time champion may retire sooner, suggesting that the Briton is not as driven as he once was.
Bernie Ecclestone added that in his view, Lewis Hamiltons did not gain anything from a 2022 season, and he could only lose out now that he has Max Verstappen. Ecclestone gave his opinions on Hamilton’s form and the future of Hamilton’s future in Formula 1. In light of the conviction, many reverted to comments by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has increased concerns about his son’s future following revelations of Lewis Hamilton’s disappointment following Abu Dhabi, with both men turning their backs on FISAs season-ending awards in Paris last week. Hamilton remains winless this season and may be set to finish ten races without a Grand Prix win for the first time in his career at this weekend’s British Grand Prix.
Hamilton is just sixth in the driver’s standings, 34 points behind his new Mercedes teammate, George Russell. Hamilton has been to a podium only once this season, an incredible P3 in Bahrain. Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc have dominated at the front of the grid, but Hamilton will hope he can get back up against the Red Bull and Ferrari duo by July.
Ultimately, Ecclestone believes that things are finally turning out to be solidly in Lewis Hamilton’s favour, with him narrowing the Championship deficit from 33 points down to only eight points. Ecclestone has also cast doubt on Hamilton’s back injury after his Azerbaijan race. Hamiltons teammate George Russell has managed to do a bit better this season with the new W13 car from Mercedes.
If Mercedes wants to continue its English contingent, Lando Norris is the only driver worth considering. The McLaren driver is presently seventh in the rankings and finished the sixth previous season, proving his worth as a good driver. After finishing ninth for Red Bull in 2020, the Thai driver Alexander Albon was demoted in favour of Sergio Pérez.
