'Won't race': F1 icon's bombshell call on Lewis Hamilton
Former Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone says he expects seven-time world champion to walk away from the sport in disappointment, following the controversial final race of the 2021 season.
Hamilton was denied a record-breaking eighth F1 world title by Max Verstappen in highly dramatic and contentious circumstances in Abu Dhabi.
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Verstappen capitalised on a debatable safety car incident to pass Hamilton on the last lap of the season-ending race, snatching victory from under the nose of the Mercedes driver - who had led the whole race.
The victory was highly controversial after FIA race director Michael Masi came under fire for his interpretation of rules relating to lapped cars under safety car conditions in the closing stages.
The decision to allow the lapped cars that separated Hamilton and Verstappen to pass the safety car before it returned to the pits was a contentious one and Mercedes launched two appeals before electing to drop their case.
Ecclestone says in the wake of the drama that he does not expect Hamilton to return for the 2022 season, which starts in Bahrain in March.
"I don't think he is coming back, I think he will not race next year," Ecclestone told Blick.
"His disappointment in Abu Dhabi was too big and I understand him. Now, tied for seven titles with Michael Schumacher, it is the perfect time for him to fulfil his dream and be a fashion entrepreneur."
Uncertainty surrounds Lewis Hamilton future
If Hamilton does return to the track to attempt to reclaim the world title, Ecclestone thinks the Briton may struggle to continue his recent domination of the sport.
"Lewis could only lose in 2022," said Ecclestone.
"Who knows how the new cars will reposition the field? With George Russell he would have an ambitious team-mate, of whom I am not as convinced as many experts, by the way.
"And then we don't forget about Verstappen. With him, Hamilton has finally found an equal opponent after many years."
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and Hamilton also found themselves in the crosshairs of F1 officials after deciding to snub the FIA gala awards in Paris, in protest against the world title situation.
That was despite attendance being required by the top three drivers of the season.
Asked whether Hamilton, who turns 37 in January, would be back next year, Wolff said at the time that it was not a certainty.
"I would very much hope Lewis continues racing because he is the greatest driver of all-time," he said.
"As a racer, his heart will say, 'I need to continue' because he's at the peak of his game.
"But we have to overcome the pain that was caused upon him... he is a man with clear values."
with agencies
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