McLaren Boss Prediction: Hamilton Will Claim The Eighth Title, Leave Mercedes, And Retire

JAKARTA - McLaren team boss Zak Brown predicts Lewis Hamilton will claim the eighth world title, then leave Mercedes and retire from Formula 1.

Brown, who has been the architect of McLaren's resurgence in recent years, told the Daily Mail that he believes Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Williams' team George Russell will be recruited by Mercedes for the 2022 season.

However, Brown added he does not want to offer Hamilton a return to McLaren next year as he is building a future team with Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo.

With the opening race of the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend, Brown explained that now is not the time for Hamilton to ask for a seat for another year.

The seven-time world champion has now pocketed a one-year contract with Mercedes so his career future is a matter of speculation as the F1 circuit will start a record 23 races a season under strict health protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"If I had the opportunity, would I have Lewis race? Sure, but we are trying to build a future, with this combination of youth and experience", Brown said, quoted by Antara, Thursday evening.

"You feel that if you sign Lewis now it will be a journey of a year or two, and we know we are not ready to fight for the championship, so we need to prepare the ranks of riders who get us into that position, and when we get to that, they are ready.

Daniel is ready now, of course. I don't think the timing is right for Lewis".

Regarding the Mercedes plans, Brown added: "I think you will see Max and George there in 2022. I think that's a clear decision.

Lewis won his eighth title this year and is the rider with the most wins in each category. They have a one-year contract with him.

Max has the experience and is young. George is young. If I were Mercedes, they would be a great couple in the next five years".