‘Sulking’ Lewis Hamilton could be thinking of LEAVING Mercedes after a difficult start to the new season, claims ex-Formula One world champion Mika Hakkinen
- Ex-Formula One star Mika Hakkinen says Lewis Hamilton could leave Mercedes
- Hamilton has struggled due to problems with his car so far since the new season
- Two-time champ Hakkinen believes Hamilton will be sulking in team meetings
Former F1 star Mika Hakkinen believes ‘sulking’ Lewis Hamilton could be set to leave Mercedes after his difficult start to the new season.
The Brit and teammate George Russell’s motors have been struggling with a ‘porpoising’ issue so far this campaign, meaning they are around a second behind Ferrari off each lap.
Hamilton secured his first podium of the season in the first race in Bahrain, but that was only due to an issue with fellow title rivals Red Bull.
Former F1 driver Mika Hakkinen says Hamilton could leave Mercedes for a new team in 2023
Hamilton, 37, has endured a difficult start to the new race season and had trouble with his car
The 37-year-old is currently fifth in the drivers’ standings, 43 points off leader Charles Leclerc and nine behind fellow Brit and teammate Russell.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton could be set to move elsewhere in 2023, according to Hakkinen, the latter won the championship twice in the 1990s.
‘It’s a tough spot for Lewis, it’s obvious’, the Finn told to Unibet via Planet F1. ‘The last race in Australia was a tough spot for Lewis – really tough.
‘They got a good result – not the result they hoped for but still good points for the team.
Ex-champion Hamilton continues to struggle for form this new race season with Mercedes
His car has come under increasing scrutiny, and unless things improve, Hamilton could leave
‘But I’m sure Lewis is still annoyed by the situation. It’s hard to be beaten by George.
‘I’m afraid this will be a really difficult season for Lewis. It’s already difficult for Mercedes but especially for Lewis.’
Hakkinen added: ‘George comes from a team with little or no success. He had some good results in qualifying but not in races.
‘All these achievements with Mercedes are new to him. Everything feels super-good.
‘For Lewis, this is a disaster. And with George being ahead, it’s even worse.
Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate George Russell has been finishing ahead of him recently
‘I wonder how Lewis behaves in the team meetings – I bet he’s sulking. I can imagine the sulking. There’s lots of complaining and whining.
‘And now starts the natural thought process of drivers. ‘Should I go somewhere else?’
‘It’s a fact. He’s been at Mercedes for years and won multiple championships.
‘Now that things are not going well, he’ll start thinking of switching teams.’
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