Lewis Hamilton retirement debate causes split as F1 waits to see if Brit quits this month | F1 | Sport

Formula One fans are split over who should take Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes seat if the Brit retires from the sport ahead of the 2022 season. Rumours have suggested that Hamilton may quit following the heavily controversial end to the previous year. 

The 37-year-old was incredibly beaten to the world championship by fierce rival Max Verstappen.  

A remarkable finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ended with Verstappen overtaking Hamilton on the last lap thanks to a contentious decision from FIA race director Michael Masi.  

Hamilton has still not commented on an ending which involved the final lap being restarted following the deployment of a safety car, despite the Mercedes drvier having led for most of the race.  

His silence has poured petrol on the fire of suggestions that he could leave F1 ahead of the 2022 season, which begins in March. 

JUST IN: Lewis Hamilton leaving F1 would be ‘very damaging’

But, should he leave his Mercedes seat, fans are split over who he should be replaced by.  

Mercedes have already added the highly-rated George Russell to their line-up following the departure of Valtteri Bottas to Alfa Romeo.  

And Bottas is the second-favourite to make a shock return to the Silver Arrows if Hamilton departs.  

The Fin shared 23 per cent of the votes in a poll of Express Sport readers – although the actual probability of a dramatic u-turn is seemingly low. 

But he was pipped by AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly, with the Frenchman winning with 26 per cent of the 16,143 votes.  

Supporters saw it as proof that Hamilton is set to line up alongside Russell in the 2022 campaign. However, it has since emerged that the video was filmed ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.  

In the video, Hamilton said: “I wish you a Happy Chinese New Year. May the New Year bring you good luck and everything you wish for.” 

Russell added: “Hi guys. I’d like to wish you a Happy Chinese New Year. 

“I’m excited to join the AMG family and become part of the world’s fastest family. See you soon and stay safe.”