Formula 1 is about to return from the summer break and with it the protagonists of this season, heated both on and off the track due to the many market hits that will redefine the formations of 2023 and beyond. The old lions of the Circus are the ones who move the market situation more than the young ones. Vettel, Alonso and Hamilton together have a treasure trove of 13 World Cups, but beyond the trophies there are also many years of experience. Each season begins and ends with a question about their future, and this year the market has reopened for the farewell of one of these, Sebastian Vettel.
The 4 times world champion will leave the Circus after difficult years both in Ferrari than in Aston Martin. Continuing with the English stable even for just a year would have taken away more from the German than he would have gotten given Aston Martin's plans. So the decision to abandon racing and devote himself to his family came by itself. Choosing him paved the way for Fernando Alonso, the oldest in the Circus, but also the most stubborn. Enough to believe in the Aston Martin project, despite the advancing years. With Vettel and Alonso settled, the doubts moved to Lewis Hamilton.
A difficult decision
Several times his future has seemed in the balance, especially after the tragic ending in Abu Dhabi 2021 followed by a very long social silence.
The arrival of George Russellmoreover, it seemed to be able to shake the hierarchies, putting Lewis in further difficulty, but the two immediately seemed in tune. It must be said, however, that the Mercedes he is not yet able to fight for the title and the real relationship of the riders will come to light when they really find themselves in that condition. However, the "when" is a very important variable, in this case, more for Lewis than for George, at the beginning of this adventure. The Mercedes must shine again to offer Lewis the chance to grab the world number 8, but it is said that he will already be able to do so from next year. Waiting therefore becomes an important task, even more so if we consider that the Mercedes seat is one of the most coveted seats. But the priority belongs to Lewis who, however, has clear ideas about his future and the possibility of retiring at the end of 2023.
Hamilton has clear ideas
Fernando Alonso seems adamant despite his 41 years. His journey in Formula 1, having signed the agreement with Aston Martin, is proceeding at full speed. The 2 times World Champion Spaniard will remain in the Circus for another couple of years, and he hopes to be able to do so by taking the reins of a team to be rearranged, establishing himself as first rider, something that in Alpine, with the presence of Ocon, he no longer has could do. One of his biggest rivals, since the year they both raced in McLaren is Lewis Hamilton. Smaller than the Spaniard, who has never refused, however, a more heated confrontation with this child prodigy.
Now both have grown up and continue to pursue victory as their sole objective, albeit with decidedly inferior cars for Fernando. The chance to see them both outside the Circus grows every year. They have also recently emerged rumors for which it would appear that Alonso switched to Aston Martin for a "pole position" in Mercedes in case Hamilton decides to retire before him. But Hamilton, as stated in an interview with Evening Standard, has no intention of leaving the Circus and his place in the German team, especially as to leave it to Alonso, the next to leave according to Lewis.
"Before you know it - Hamilton said- Fernando will be no more. Who will be next? I'll be the oldest, I think. At the moment I'm just thinking about how to improve this car, and what will be the next step to win again with this team, as well as the future project to win another world championship”.
Statement source: FormulaPassion
