Lewis Hamilton lost his 8th world title after a controversial call in the final laps of the Abu Dhabi GP. The Brit was angry about the developments during the safety car period. He even called it “manipulated” over the team radio. A few days later, the Mercedes driver missed the FIA award ceremony; this is currently being investigated by the FIA as a possible violation of the rules.
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It is noteworthy that Hamilton has made it clear in previous statements that he will be around for a while. However, there is speculation that the Abu Dhabi debacle could drive him into retirement. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff recently issued a statement further backing these claims. The Austrian said: “I really hope that Lewis keeps racing.”
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However, should the unthinkable happen, Nico Hulkenberg may be a viable option to replace Hamilton in the Silver Arrows.
Dive Deeper – Lewis Hamilton Retired: Who Can Replace Him In A Hypothetical Situation For The 2022 F1 Season?
Is Hulkenberg a suitable alternative to Lewis Hamilton?
Lewis Hamilton is a seven-time world champion. His shoes are certainly not the easiest. This sport has never seen its unprecedented dominance over the past eight years. George Russell has already taken the other Mercedes seat and Bottas has said goodbye to the Brackley team. In this scenario, Hulkenberg could be a plausible option to replace Hamilton.
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – NOVEMBER 29: Nico Hulkenberg from Germany and Renault Sport F1 prepares during practice for the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit on November 29, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to drive in the garage. (Photo by Charles Coates / Getty Images)
The German driver Nico Hülkenberg made his last appearance at the Eifel GP 2020. He is currently a substitute driver for the Aston Martin F1 team. With Hamilton retiring this late after the season, Mercedes may have to take a brave phone call like calling Hulkenberg back to the F1 cockpit.
Other F1 teams have contractually exhausted all other options such as Esteban Ocon or Valtteri Bottas, at least for the next season. In this scenario, Mercedes can promote test drivers like Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne to the top. However, with the young George Russell already in office, they may be looking for a more experienced driver to replace the Briton.
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During his stint with Formula 1, Hülkenberg took part in around 180 Grand Prix races between 2010-20. With his experience and know-how, the German can prove to be a deadly force on the grid. In the short term, it can match the Mercedes.
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All speculation aside, fans expect Hamilton to return to the grid in the 2022 F1 season. Do you think he can win his eighth title next year?
DIVE DEEPER
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