7:52 Lewis Hamilton reflects on his season, lockdown and his social justice campaigning after clinching his seventh F1 title.
’10 championships and 150 race wins is entirely doable’
Hamilton appears to be at his peak. Hamilton certainly has the best car currently. Yet Hamilton still hasn’t committed his F1 future, with his Mercedes contract expiring next month, and continues to insist that while he feels quick enough, and fit enough, to continue – there’s no guarantee he will stay.
But Brundle still believes a new deal is a formality – while also predicting an astonishing benchmark with his records.
“Who do you think will have the most resource and the best package in 2022?” he says. “Or indeed in 2026?
“I think 10 championships and maybe 150 race victories is entirely doable.”
He adds: “I think the only thing that could make Lewis leave in the next few years is if there’s a significant change, like Mercedes pulling out.
“The only thing that I think can stop his run on the track is if Red Bull and Verstappen suddenly ace it – as Mercedes don’t want ‘star wars again’ and they’re not going to treat us to Hamilton vs Verstappen.”
Ninety-four victories. Seven championships. “Not fading away in any area”. Hamilton is an ominous competitor now, and – despite the lack of contract, for now – there’s no sign that he won’t be one in the future, too.
“My gut feeling is he’ll stop a year early rather than a year late,” says Brundle. “He’s not going to hang on until the bitter end for a few more dollars, or just to be a Formula 1 driver, and nor will he need to.
“He’s obviously got other ambitions in his life, but I can’t imagine why he would stop in the next five years, or certainly three. Why would he?”
Sourse: skysports.com
