Lewis Hamilton tipped to ditch Mercedes to ‘earn more’ in 2022 despite new contract

F1: Lewis Hamilton extends Mercedes contract

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Former F1 driver Christijan Albers believes Lewis Hamilton will turn his back on Mercedes at the end of the 2021 season to earn more money elsewhere. Hamilton recently signed a new one-year deal with Mercedes and he will be looking to seal an eighth world title.

The 2021 season will be Hamilton’s ninth with Mercedes but Albers believes the Brit will leave the Silver Arrows in 2022.

Speaking on De Telegraaf’s F1 podcast, Albers said: “I see him switching to another team where he can earn more.

“During the season he will certainly start looking around him.

“He is an outspoken driver and also for that reason he will want to stay in Formula 1, because of course there he can always share his opinion.

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“You can see that from everything, he is often in America to hang out with the stars.

“He wants to keep that lifestyle, so because of that he will definitely continue in Formula 1.

“If he were to leave the sport, I think he would end up in a black hole pretty quickly.”

It has been speculated that Hamilton could decide to retire if he wins a record eighth world title this year but Albers believes the 36-year-old will not be walk away at the end of the season.

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He added: “Lewis is not going to stop for now, he is still in his element. He talks sometimes that he might retire, but he’s really enjoying the sport.

“He really likes the show, he wants to level up. So I really don’t see him stopping, even next year.

“He feels at home in this world, where he also deals with the greatest artists in the world.”

Speaking after he had put pen to paper on his latest deal, Hamilton said: “I am excited to be heading into my ninth season with my Mercedes teammates.

“Our team has achieved incredible things together and we look forward to building on our success even further, while continuously looking to improve, both on and off the track.

“I’m equally determined to continue the journey we started to make motorsport more diverse for future generations and I am grateful that Mercedes has been extremely supportive of my call to address this issue.

“I’m proud to say we are taking that effort further this year by launching a foundation dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the sport.

“I am inspired by all that we can build together and can’t wait to get back on the track in March.”

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