Lewis Hamilton could be sacked by Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton, the former three-time Formula One world champion, could be sacked by Mercedes for defying team orders during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, according to several reports.
Hamilton won his 10th race of the season at the Yas Marina Circuit but finished five points shy of German teammate Nico Rosberg, who, with 385 points, clinched his maiden F1 world title.
The Briton, who needed Rosberg to slip out of the podium to finish No.1 in the championship tally, led the final race of the season from start to finish but slowed down towards the final few laps in an attempt to back Rosberg into the rival cars of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and the Red Bull duo of Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo.
As the race drew to a close, Paddy Lowe, Mercedes' executive director (technical), could be heard yelling to Hamilton via team radio to pick up the pace. However, Hamilton replied: "I'm in the lead right now. I'm quite comfortable where I am."
After the dramatic conclusion to the season, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff made no bones about the Hamilton situation, suggesting that the 31-year-old caused "anarchy" through his insubordination and would very likely face disciplinary action from the German team -- that has dominated the sport over the last three years.
Lewis Hamilton faces ire of team
The Daily Mirror reported Monday that Hamilton could face strict action from Mercedes. “Lewis Hamilton is facing the sack by Mercedes after being accused of causing anarchy in Abu Dhabi. Hamilton’s contract runs out in 2018 but that would not stop the German car giant ending it early or suspending him from races next season as a punishment.”
The Daily Mail added that Hamilton could have his contract terminated ahead of 2018. “Lewis Hamilton risks having his £30million Mercedes contract ripped up after he repeatedly defied his team in a controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.”
However, The Guardian and The Telegraph reported that Hamilton faces a suspension and a possible fine from the team, but would likely retain his berth for the 2017 season. “Mercedes are considering disciplinary action — which could mean a fine or even suspension — against Lewis Hamilton after the three-time world champion twice flouted instructions," The Guardian wrote on Monday.
Regardless of the reports, it seems unlikely that Mercedes would terminate Hamilton's contract. This isn't the first time in F1 history that a driver defied team orders and chased a championship. Who can forget how the great Michael Schumacher won his first-ever championship? Or how Fernando Alonso and Hamilton butted heads during their only year as teammates in McLaren? Technically, Hamilton can't be accused of any wrongdoing.
And Mercedes boss Wolff admitted that the team should avoid a knee-jerk reaction going forward. “I just need to form an opinion, which I haven’t yet," Wolff said a day after the frantic Abu Dhabi GP.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has vowed to reclaim the F1 title next season and add another leaf to his growing legacy. “I’ll be back stronger and faster than ever next year. The circumstances this year have not been in my favour, but I did my best and I am happy with how the season ended."
Lewis Hamilton has already surpassed greats like Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell and contemporaries Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso for most Grand Prix wins in history. With 53 wins, he is currently No.2 on the all-time list behind Michael Schumacher, who finished with 91 wins.
