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Does eight world titles projection undersell Hamilton's potential?

OPINION: Lewis Hamilton's new one-year deal with Mercedes has given renewed strength to theories he will depart Formula 1 with eight world championships. But these underestimate factors he will be considering and also how many titles he could win

Alex Kalinauckas Feb 11, 2021, 11:41 AM

There is a strong school of thought that Lewis Hamilton's one-year contract extension with Mercedes means he is now set on a path to walk away from Formula 1 after clinching an eighth world title - taking the record for most championships solo in 2021.

But this underestimates several important factors in Hamilton's case - it's worth recalling that late last season he said he'd "earned the right or the position so far to be able to stay for a decent amount of time" ahead with Mercedes - and when taking these into account a new narrative emerges. It's also one that could yet defy an age-old expectation.

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Author Alex Kalinauckas

Alex Kalinauckas is Autosport's Grand Prix Editor, covering every Formula 1 race since the start of 2020. After completing a master's degree in journalism at Goldsmiths College University of London in 2014, he worked for a range of motorsport and technology publications while covering national racing as an Autosport freelancer.

A lifelong motorsport fan - no one in his family can explain quite how or why such a development first occurred - Alex joined the Autosport staff in April 2017 as the magazine’s Assistant Editor covering Formula 2 and GP3, before being made Formula E correspondent and Autosport.com’s Plus Editor in March 2018. He lives in north-east London and is constantly frustrated by the Central Line.