ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 12: Second placed Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 12, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Kamran Jebreili - Pool/Getty Images)
Lewis Hamilton is the favourite to win the 2022 Formula 1 World Championship according to Bristish F1 reporter, Ted Kravitz. Hamilton had a terrific last season but narrowly missed on the title to eventual champion Max Verstappen.
The Mercedes driver was all set to win the title until a controversial final lap in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix meant Verstappen left him behind. The 7-time World Champion brushed aside all rumors of retirement and is back to fight it out for his eighth title. Ted Kravitz has observed all the teams and the drivers in the first pre-season running test in Barcelona and the pundit believes Hamilton is the man to beat.
Speaking on Hamilton’s chances of winning the 8th title, Kravitz explained, “I think he has got a very good chance this year and the next and the next. I think he’ll only be more motivated.” The Sky Sports reporter further added, “There have already been some great drivers who have tried to stop him from winning the first seven, so I don’t think that affects the way he is or how he approaches his racing.”
Hamilton went into the final race of last season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix level on points with Max Verstappen. Hamilton and Verstappen were level on 369.5 points with the Red Bull driver ahead thanks to his nine 2021 GP wins compared to Hamilton’s eight.
The 37-year old was 11 seconds ahead with six laps to go but then things changed drastically. A controversial decision by race director Michael Masi saw Max Verstappen make the most out of it, darting past Hamilton to win the championship.
Lewis Hamilton will be going into the new season with the added motivation of putting the talks of his retirement to bed for once and for all. The Britisher has shown no signs of age affecting his performance on the track. Mercedes were one of the best teams in the pre-season test running at the Circuit de Catalunya with Hamilton clocking the fastest time on the final day. With the new W13 car at his disposal, Hamilton will fancy his chances.
A certain section of F1 fans feels Hamilton was hard done by Masi last season and was robbed off his title. Hamilton has stated he doesn’t feel that way and made it a point that Verstappen deserves all the applause. A sense of rivalry can be seen between the two top drivers. The 2022 season is either going to see Hamilton’s redemption or Verstappen establishing himself as the best active driver in Formula One.
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