Mercedes should give Hamilton freedom - Hill

  • Published on 17 Mar 2017 07:01
  • comments 4
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Damon Hill believes that Mercedes must give Lewis Hamilton freedom to do as he pleases, or they will risk losing him to a rival.

Hamilton has enjoyed a vibrant lifestyle in the past number of years, always popping up in a different country or spending time with celebrity friends. His way of life has been criticised by some, with parts of the F1 community claiming he is not dedicated enough to motorsport. 

However, 1996 world champion Hill believes that Mercedes must not contain the Brit, as they may end up in a similar position to why Hamilton left McLaren at the end of 2012. 

"Lewis is an emotional beast and there might be a situation where he just goes: ‘I’ve had enough and I don’t want to do it’," Hill said. "That’s true for every driver but some don’t have the luxury he has, as he might be in demand somewhere else."

"He is in a strong position. Mercedes have to recognize they either want Lewis Hamilton, the asset that he is to them and allowing him the space to do his work, or they don’t. If it’s not going well for Lewis, then he does have a tendency to make his feelings known."

"If they overplay what Toto was saying about managing the drivers after what happened in Abu Dhabi, there is the chance he might go again," Hill said.

"Like we saw at McLaren with Ron Dennis and his controlling way and Lewis saying: ‘I don’t want this. I’m out.’ That’s the fine line."

 

Fergal Walsh

Wolfgang

Posts: 313

but let´s be honest: Which team is aiming for him?

I´m 100% sure Red Bull doesn´t take him, and Ferrari as long as Vettel is there won´t take him either. Saying that i´m also very sure Vettel is a long time at Ferrari and when Raikkonen stops they´re going to take someone like Perez, Hülk... [Read more]

  • 1
  • Mar 17 2017 - 12:21

Replies (4)

Login to reply
  • Agreed, give him enough rope and see what happens...

    • + 0
    • Mar 17 2017 - 08:45
  • I think he's happy at Merc, it's a fresh era for him and the team with bottas coming in + the new regs

    • + 0
    • Mar 17 2017 - 10:35
  • Wolfgang

    Posts: 313

    but let´s be honest: Which team is aiming for him?

    I´m 100% sure Red Bull doesn´t take him, and Ferrari as long as Vettel is there won´t take him either. Saying that i´m also very sure Vettel is a long time at Ferrari and when Raikkonen stops they´re going to take someone like Perez, Hülkenberg, Grosjean etc.

    • + 1
    • Mar 17 2017 - 12:21
  • mbmwe36

    Posts: 533

    I agree, release him Mercedes! Don't forget to wish him the best in his future endeavors.

    That's not what he meant?

    Oh. Awkward..

    • + 0
    • Mar 17 2017 - 19:44

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