Prost: Hamilton has as many reasons to stop as to continue

40

Four-time F1 world champion Alain Prost believes there's a fifty percent chance that Lewis Hamilton could call it a day and retire from F1 ahead of the 2022 season.

With each passing day, the speculation and talk regarding Hamilton's future is getting stronger, fueled by the Briton's silence and conspicuous absence from social media.

In the immediate aftermath of last month's title-deciding F1 finale in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton gave no indication that his defeat at Yas Marina at the hands of Max Verstappen - or rather as a result of the controversial decisions taken by race director Michael Masi - would have any bearing on his future.

However, according to a report this week from Sky News' Craig Slater, Hamilton was hit only later by the realization of the events that unfolded in Abu Dhabi.

Read also: Hamilton not responding to FIA president's messages

"I’ve spoken to various individuals since who have had some contact with him," commented Slater. he added.

"What they explained to me was that even if he seemed to take it well on the night, it hit him very hard in subsequent days, what went on."

Few F1 insiders believe that Hamilton will throw in the towel at the last hour, trusting the 37-year-old to pop up at any moment, with a fresh state of mind and armed with the determination to challenge for a record eighth F1 crown in 2022.

But Prost isn't convinced that Hamilton's situation is as clear as many think it is.

"It's hard to put yourself in his shoes," said Prost, quoted by French weekly Le Journal du Dimanche.

"He surely has as many reasons to stop as to continue. It's fifty-fifty. He's taken a big blow to the head, but it would be really sad if he wasn't here this season."

Prost hopes that the prospect of battling more adversaries on the track thanks to F1's regulation overhaul is an enticing one for Hamilton.

"I want to stay optimistic because there's this eighth title to go and this new technical regulation, with maybe three teams at the top and four or five drivers vying for the title," added the Alpine advisor.

"That's a challenge that Hamilton might want to take on."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.