I was wondering this afternoon why nobody’s seriously considered this so far (at least that I’ve seen). A driver of Hamilton’s calibre should have his pick of the top teams (I don’t think that Lewis will consider a move to a team where he won’t be contesting for wins).
The pros and cons of a Mercedes move vs staying with McLaren have been well discussed. Red Bull’s the seat he probably wants more than any, but they’ve finalised Vettel and Webber for 2013. And the potential politics making a move to Ferrari unlikely are also well known.
But why has noone mentioned the idea of a seat at Lotus alongside Kimi? They’ve still to confirm Kimi’s teammate for next year, and whilst Grosjean (to my eyes) has impressed, they’d surely snap Lewis up given the opportunity.
Hamilton wants a competitive car, a positive working environment, and to be able to keep the trophies he wins. Lotus would tick all those boxes, and what’s more they’re a team on the up. I also think Lewis would relish the chance to measure himself against Raikkonen, having usually had the measure of his last two teammates. Lastly, I think Lewis would like the idea of driving for another of Senna’s past teams (farcical Lotus name-swapping notwithstanding!).
This is just speculation on my part, nothing more. But the idea must have crossed Lewis’s mind – after all, Raikkonen’s Lotus is currently ahead of him in the championship (and way ahead of both Mercedes drivers).
Anyone agree?
