Former F1 Champion Makes Bold Statement: Lewis Hamilton Could Leave Mercedes
Former F1 champion Jenson Button has expressed confidence in Lewis Hamilton's ability to make a strong start to the 2023 season and put pressure on his teammate George Russell. However explains what could convince the seven-time champion it's time to leave the sport.
Hamilton had a challenging 2022 campaign, marking the first time he failed to secure a race victory in the sport. Mercedes struggled at the beginning of the season, with Red Bull and Ferrari taking the lead. However, the team made significant improvements as the season progressed. Russell secured the team's only grand prix win at the Brazilian event.
Despite Russell finishing ahead of Hamilton in the Drivers' Championship, Button, who was Hamilton's teammate at McLaren for several years, believes that the seven-time world champion will come out strong in Bahrain next month. Speaking to Sky Sports, Button explained:
“I think Lewis was on it [in 2022]. His performances were very consistent, mid-to-end of the season, very, very quick.
“I think he’ll start this year flat-out. He’s going to be on it from the word go, so I look forward to seeing that.
“It’s going to put a lot of pressure on George Russell, I think it’s a good pairing. But as I said, I think Lewis will be on it from the word go and I look forward to that fight.”
Button's endorsement of Hamilton's abilities comes as no surprise, given their shared history and close relationship on and off the track. Hamilton has consistently demonstrated his skill and resilience throughout his career, overcoming challenges and setbacks to emerge as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history.
As the 2023 season approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the battle between Hamilton and Russell. Hamilton's drive to regain his spot at the top of the standings and Russell's hunger to cement his place as a future world champion promise to make for an exciting competition.
After revealing its 2023 W14 car last week, Mercedes is optimistic that it will be able to regain its dominance in the upcoming Formula 1 season. The team's headquarters in Brackley is abuzz with excitement as they look forward to the challenge ahead.
Lewis Hamilton, whose contract with Mercedes expires this year, has expressed his desire to stay with the team. He has made it clear that he wants to continue racing for Mercedes, with whom he has enjoyed immense success.
Button suggested that Hamilton may choose to retire from the sport if he continues to receive cars that are not competitive. He continued:
“It’s something [not having a winning car] we all go through in our careers. It’s a reason why a lot of people retire, they are not in a winning car anymore. That’s why I left.
“You can deal with the pressure you put yourself under and the calendar, if you are in a winning car. When you are not, you are like ‘I’ve had enough, I want to get out’.
“Mercedes have given him a winning car for so many years. Last year obviously didn’t but the car did win a race last year, so you would say at the end of the year they were strong.”