P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton will be formulating a “Plan B” if an eighth Formula 1 title begins to appear “unachievable” with Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton, who currently shares the record of seven F1 Drivers’ Championships with Michael Schumacher, was close to winning his eighth title in 2021 but was defeated by Max Verstappen due to a controversial incident involving the FIA restart regulations. Mercedes has struggled since the regulations changed last year, and Hamilton has not added to his 103 race wins in the past two seasons. The 39-year-old driver signed a new two-year deal with Mercedes, but if the team cannot make progress by 2024, Hamilton may consider other options. Mercedes plans to adopt a new car concept with its W15 challenger to make a comeback, and George Russell, Hamilton’s teammate, could pose an internal threat after outscoring him in their first season together, despite Russell having a difficult year. It is uncertain who would come out on top in a title battle between the two Mercedes drivers, as they are closely matched, but Brundle believes it will depend on Lewis Hamilton’s motivation and whether Russell can handle the pressure of a championship-winning position.
