Lewis Hamilton is still angry about the way the 2021 Formula One season ended, reckons McLaren boss Zak Brown. The chief executive also admits he wouldn’t be shocked if the Briton called time on his career ahead of the new season.
Hamilton appeared to be out of last year’s F1 title race at the start of November as he trailed nemesis Max Verstappen by 19 points with four races remaining.
But the Briton won races in Brazil, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to set up a title-decider in Abu Dhabi.
The two protagonists went into the final event of the season level on points and Hamilton started the race in second but soon wrestled the lead away from Verstappen and looked destined to storm to victory to clinch the championship.
But the outcome of the race changed after Nicholas Latifi smashed into a wall late on, which resulted in a safety car being deployed.
Verstappen pitted for fresh tyres, which Hamilton was unable to do without the risk of losing track position.
Lewis Hamilton missed out on landing a record eighth F1 title last season (Image: GETTY)
Race director Michael Masi then allowed five cars between the two contenders to move out of the way to give Verstappen the chance to pull level with Hamilton for a one-lap shootout as the race restarted.
Verstappen took advantage of his new tyres and stormed to victory to claim his maiden title.
The fallout from the dramatic desert finish has been immense, with Mercedes feeling Masi had been unfair in allowing cars to move and Verstappen to then start alongside Hamilton.
And there have since been suggestions that Hamilton could even turn his back on the sport.
Hamilton has kept silent since his bitter disappointment, while the speculation around his future has intensified.
And Brown says there are no guarantees that the 37-year-old will race again.
“I wouldn’t be shocked if he stopped,” Brown admitted. “So I don’t think anyone should take for granted he’s coming back.
“I don’t think we should rule it out or make light of it.”
Despite his concerns about Hamilton’s future, Brown says he personally believes the ace will get behind the wheel again this year.
“My personal opinion is he’s going to [return] but I don’t think we should discount or not recognise his frustration, his anger,” Brown added.
McLaren boss Zak Brown admits he wouldn’t be shocked if Lewis Hamilton retired from F1 (Image: GETTY)
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