McLaren boss Zak Brown has mentioned Formulation One shouldn’t assume Lewis Hamilton will keep within the sport after the damage of lacking a report eighth title in controversial circumstances.
Hamilton, 37, has stayed silent for the reason that 2021 season resulted in uproar in Abu Dhabi final month, and his Mercedes workforce have indicated he’s ready to see the governing FIA’s response to what went on.
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“I would not be shocked if he stopped. So I do not assume anybody ought to take without any consideration he is coming again,” Brown mentioned.
“My private opinion is he’ll [return] however I do not assume we should always low cost or not recognise his frustration, his anger.
“I do not assume we should always rule it out or make gentle of it. I simply personally assume he nonetheless has a burning need to race and that may finally drive his resolution.”
The likelihood that the game’s largest star and most profitable driver of all time may stroll away has been a serious speaking level over the winter break and has saved the strain on the FIA.
Hamilton, who took his first title with Mercedes-powered McLaren in 2008, was main the race at Yas Marina when a late security automotive modified every part after race director Michael Masi altered procedures.
Crimson Bull’s Max Verstappen, on brisker tyres, was handed a transparent run on Hamilton and received the title. The FIA has opened an investigation into what occurred.
Brown mentioned Hamilton was on the high of his sport and a fighter.
“I do not assume he is able to retire,” he added. “I do not assume he’ll let an incident put him into retirement.”
The McLaren boss wouldn’t touch upon Masi, though some within the sport consider the Australian’s place has turn out to be untenable, however mentioned there was a necessity for extra consistency in making use of the principles.
He recommended the game ought to roll the clock again to the times when the late Charlie Whiting, Masi’s predecessor, and his deputy Herbie Blash labored as a workforce in race management.
Brown additionally expressed confidence in Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the newly elected Emirati president of the FIA who has changed Frenchman Jean Todt.
“I’ve spent period of time with him and I consider he might be a change agent the place issues have to be modified and improved upon. He additionally consults,” Brown mentioned.
“He is already executed the rounds with the groups, speaking to us about what we predict. So I believe he’ll be an excellent president.”