Is retirement on Lewis Hamilton’s mind? Mark Webber quotes Roger Federer to put light on the matter

Is retirement on Lewis Hamilton’s mind? Mark Webber quotes Roger Federer to put light on the matter

Roger Federer and Lewis Hamilton

After 9 months of drama, the 2021 Formula 1 season has finally come to an end with Max Verstappen snatching the championship from Lewis Hamilton in the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The season has been one of the best in recent memory with both Hamilton and Verstappen pushing each other to the limit.

Hamilton had the race in his fist as he led comfortably for 57 laps before a late safety car allowed Max to pit for fresh softs. Hamilton was thus denied a record breaking 8th world title. Former Red Bull driver, Mark Webber, after the race said that despite new regulations, he still thinks Mercedes and Red Bull will be at the top in 2022 too.

“I still think it will be Mercedes and Red Bull, by the way [on top in 2022],” the Australian told Channel 4. “Hamilton, no question about it, he will be in for a big chance of going again next year.”

Webber also said that he remembers Roger Federer saying at the Australian Open something about coming back next year which could also be a hint towards retirement. Webber joined the dots and said he heard Lewis too speaking something on similar grounds.

“What was interesting though, I remember hearing Roger Federer at the Australian Open one year saying borderline ‘I might see you next year’. There was a little bit… Lewis on the end of his quote said ‘we’ll see about next year’. So who knows where his head is right now,” he said.

Lewis Hamilton- Gracious in defeat

Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton

The title was decided on controversial terms with questions being asked to the stewards and FIA about lapped cars being allowed just before the safety car went in. Many believe that Hamilton was robbed but the way he carried himself after the race was pure class. He didn’t speak a word about FIA’s ruling and instead congratulated Max and Red Bull for the win

“A big congratulations to Max and his team,” Hamilton said. “I think we did an amazing job this year. My team worked so hard this whole year, it’s been the most difficult of seasons.“

“We gave it everything and never gave up and that’s the most important thing,” he added. “I’ve felt great in the car in the past couple of months. We’re still in the pandemic and I just want everyone to stay safe and spend Christmas with their families. We’ll see about next year.”

Also read: ‘You don’t become a champion if you don’t work on yourself first,’ Tathiana Garbin speaks on the lessons she learned from Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic