“Loyalty Means Nothing in F1”: Former F1 Driver Predicts Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes Prepared for Separation After 11 Seasons

Lewis Hamilton has enjoyed a successful spell since he joined Mercedes in 2013. The Briton achieved six of his seven drivers championships racing for the Silver Arrows and has broken multiple records in his 11 seasons with the team.

Since the 2022 regulations change, Mercedes and Hamilton have struggled to find their old form. The 103 Grand Prix winner seems to find the W14 unstable to drive and claims to have felt no connection with his car.

Despite it, the 7x champion has expressed his desire to remain with the team until he retires. He wants to win his record-breaking 8th title with the Silver Arrows. Yet, the driver has refrained from signing his contract extension with his team.

 

The rumors are that the 103 race-winning drivers are checking if his team can regain their old, competitive form again. But former F1 driver Gerhard Berger believes loyalties do not exist in F1 anyways.

Lewis Hamilton might have already considered leaving Mercedes, says Berger

Although Lewis Hamilton claims to still believe in his team, he is frustrated with Mercedes’s current car. Hamilton even offered his advice during the W14’s development, but it was turned down.

The Briton has been struggling with his car since the start of the season and thus delayed signing his extension. His contract with the 8-time Constructors champions ends at the end of the current season.

The 7x champion may want to delay signing his contract unless he sees improvement in the car. However, Gerhard Berger believes Mercedes’s offer won’t remain

Berger told Kronen Zeitung, “Although Lewis constantly emphasises that he would never leave his Mercedes family, his loyalty means nothing in F1. No one reveals the cards there!”

Earlier, Eddie Jordan stated Hamilton must move to Ferrari to compete for the title again. Berger claims that it will be great to see Hamilton in red. Maybe, Briton has already thought about it!

The Former Ferrari driver said, “It may be that Lewis thinks so too. If he doesn’t get a competitive car at Mercedes, then he might think: I don’t want to stop just yet, I want to try Ferrari again. Maybe I can fix it.”

Toto Wolff hasn’t given up on Hamilton yet

Earlier, Toto Wolff revealed that the team is working with Lewis Hamilton to improve the W14. The Briton’s podium in Australia means they seem to be in the right direction.

However, Hamilton hasn’t resumed talks with Wolff regarding his contract. The Briton wants to win races, something he hasn’t achieved since the 2021 Saudi Arabian GP.

Despite the 7x champions’ cold shoulder, the Mercedes CEO and team principal remains committed to him. Wolff denies the need to talk with other drivers if Hamilton leaves.

Wolff said, “I don’t want to get into conversations with other drivers because I’m happy with those who are in the team, that’s for sure. There is no plan B, there is only Lewis.”

The Austrian added, “I don’t think Lewis would say, ‘I can’t do this anymore. I’ll be gone tomorrow.’ He would always feel responsible for the team. He wouldn’t let the team down,”

However, the Mercedes boss previously stated that Hamilton wouldn’t be stopped from leaving Mercedes. If the Mercedes racer feels he cannot win a title with his current team, the Austrian won’t stand in his way.