Lewis Hamilton: Formula One star could retire ‘sooner than we all want’ according to race legend David Coulthard
Mercedes ace is favourite to land F1 crown this season after missing out last year but bow out in dramatic style shortly
LEWIS HAMILTON could stun Formula One by copying Nico Rosberg and retiring from racing – according to former F1 star David Coulthard.
Rosberg dropped the bombshell that he was giving up F1 just five days after winning the title off Hamilton last season.
The German’s decision caught everyone, even his Mercedes team, off-guard.
And now DC reckons Hamilton could do the same himself – if he falls out of love with the sport.
He said: “Lewis could do a Rosberg and retire if he wins title this year, absolutely. He can afford to make that decision.
“That could be at the end of the year, it could be during the season. It won’t take much for him to say, for want of a better word, ‘f*** it, I’m off’.
“He goes through the same questions every day and you can see him glaze over and just go through the process.
“There are moments when you see the pure enjoyment, the little boy in the man and as long as that light’s getting switched on from time to time, he’ll continue to show up.
“But the minute he starts to glaze over and when the passion goes, you can fool others but not yourself.
“His retirement could be sooner than we would all maybe want. I would be surprised if he’s still doing it beyond 35 because he started so young.
“Like anything in life, to keep something fresh and exciting over a 10 to 20-year period is tough.
“He’s had enough financial success to make that decision. I don’t think he’s motivated by money but he’ll be well aware of his bank balance.”
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Rosberg’s retirement meant Mercedes had to hurry around to find a replacement before the season starts next weekend in Melbourne.
And they decided to sign up Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas from Williams, who has impressed during winter testing.
However, there is a wide-held belief that Bottas will simply be a stooge for Hamilton, who will be given No.1 status by the team.
However, C4 commentator thinks Bottas could spring a surprise.
He added: “We don’t really know much about Bottas, we know he’s talented, Finnish and capable of answering questions in a nice, polite way.
“But it would be great if we had friction between the two of them.
“Lewis has gone into the last couple of seasons knowing he had the edge over Rosberg but also that Rosberg was a thorn in his side because he wouldn’t lie down.
“Lewis has already said he gets along well with Bottas, which probably means he hasn’t been challenged by him.
“But every sportsman has his peak and if he doesn’t stop there will be a decline at some point.
“Maybe Hamilton’s met his match, we don’t know. Evidence of Bottas at Williams suggests he’s not at Hamilton’s level.
“But former Lotus boss Peter Warr once said Nigel Mansell would ‘never win a Grand Prix as long as I have a hole in my arse’, and he went on to win a lot!
“He got himself into an exceptional car and went on to win a world championship. Maybe Bottas is suddenly going to appear as this winning machine that nobody saw coming, including Hamilton.”
Channel 4 is the home of free-to-air Formula 1 in the UK with live coverage of 10 Grand Prix this season and comprehensive highlights of every race weekend. You can watch the Highlights of the Australian Grand Prix on Channel 4 from 2pm on 26th March.