McLaren fears on Norris move to Mercedes end after Hamilton is tipped to race in 2022

If Lewis Hamilton retires from Formula One, McLaren driver Lando Norris is widely expected to take his place at Mercedes.

Following a substantial hint from Mercedes ahead of the 2022 Formula One season, McLaren’s major concerns may have been allayed.

This comes after a dramatic finale to the season in Abu Dhabi, where contentious stewards decisions finally led to Max Verstappen’s victory, Lewis Hamilton’s future has been called into question.

Hamilton’s defeat to the Red Bull driver was a big setback, as he was just a lap away from a record-breaking title win, which would have given him an unprecedented eighth championship win.

Following that defeat, speculation arose as to whether Hamilton would return for the 2022 season, for which he is contracted, but the Brit has been keeping silent.

Any departure would have had a cascade effect throughout the rest of the grid, with Lando Norris the favorite to replace Hamilton, who would have lined up alongside close friend George Russell.

Sighs of relief are sure to have been heard in the McLaren camp after the Mercedes team posted a message hinting Hamilton’s return on social media.

“Adversity causes some to break; others to break records,” Hamilton’s attempt to set a new record with an eighth championship next year was referenced in the post.

Formula One is currently in its final preparations for the 2022 season, with the next campaign kicking off in March in Bahrain.

The schedule for next season includes 23 races, the most ever in Formula 1, and the season will go until the end of November.