Formula 1: 3 possible landing spots for Lewis Hamilton in 2021

Possible 2021 Lewis Hamilton landing spots: #3 – Retirement

Lewis Hamilton has nothing left to prove in Formula 1, having broken Michael Schumacher’s all-time wins record and being the projected world champion for 2020, which would make him the only seven-time champion in the sport’s history aside from Schumacher.

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As noted on the first slide, Hamilton does not have a contract to return to Formula 1 next year, and this is particularly significant because teammate Valtteri Bottas signed a contract to return more than three months ago.

Since Bottas arrived at Mercedes as the replacement for 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg ahead of the 2017 season, he has won nine races. Hamilton has won 39, including nine already this year through just 13 races. In fact, since the start of 2016, Rosberg and Bottas both have nine wins.

Why would Bottas have a deal but Hamilton not, especially since they signed extensions within one day of one another back in July of 2018, which remains the last time the 35-year-old Briton signed a new deal?

Additionally, Hamilton has been seemingly a lot more focused on things outside of Formula 1 as of late, so much so that it truly wouldn’t be all that shocking to see him walk away after the season ends, especially if Toto Wolff’s role with the team changes. If he does end up retiring, it would be a clear case of “why didn’t we see this coming all along?”

Where will Lewis Hamilton end up in the 2021 Formula 1 season? Will he be back for what would be a ninth season with Mercedes or will he make the shocking move to join Red Bull? If neither, will the 2020 season be his final year in the sport?