Fittipaldi wants Hamilton to move in 2021

Jamie Woodhouse
Max Verstappen says the top teams have a "head start" on 2021, so doesn't expect the order to change.

Max Verstappen says the top teams have a "head start" on 2021, so doesn't expect the order to change.

Two-time World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi wants Lewis Hamilton to join one of the other top teams next year and further cement his legacy.

With six World Championships to his name Hamilton is already the second-most decorated Formula 1 driver of all time with only Michael Schumacher ahead of him on seven titles.

And going into 2020 Hamilton will have the chance to tie that record which many thought could never be touched.

Since joining Mercedes in 2013 the Briton has launched himself to the pinnacle of Formula 1, picking up five Championships in those seven years and helping the Silver Arrows to six consecutive Drivers’ and Constructors’ title doubles.

But his current deal is up after this year, and while talks are set to get underway soon between Hamilton and boss Toto Wolff, Fittipaldi would like to see Hamilton join Ferrari or Red Bull and win the title there to add even more credibility to his CV.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, he said: “I’d like to see him go to one of the other top three teams and winning a world title elsewhere would add to his curriculum.

“To win a world title for yet another team, that would make him even greater.

“The numbers don’t lie. I’m sure there’s more winning ahead of him to create history. In any sport, it’s all about the numbers.

“That’s what counts and I think he can break that record. He has the physical condition, the psychological and spiritual condition to go forward.”

Even before the new F1 season starts Hamilton has been picking up trophies – he would see off competition from the likes of Marc Marquez, Rafael Nadal and Tiger Woods to win his second Laureus Award.

Should Hamilton leave Mercedes then Ferrari is rumoured to be his most likely destination, but Mercedes are reportedly ready to table a £180m offer to tie him down for another three years.

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