Lewis Hamilton splits F1 fans as Mercedes star linked with Ferrari and Red Bull | F1 | Sport

Lewis Hamilton’s F1 future is uncertain after the seven-time champion criticised engineers ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The Mercedes star hit out at the team for not listening to him over the direction of the W14 which has led to suggestions he could be prepared to walk away.

A move to Ferrari has been discussed by pundits in the run-up to the race in Jeddah if the Silver Arrows problems persist. However, F1 fans are tied over whether Hamilton should leave the German squad after winning six of his seven Drivers’ Championships with the team.

In a new poll for Express Sport, a small majority feel Hamilton should walk away if the team remains uncompetitive. Although, just 52 per cent have backed a possible exit with 48 per cent feeling Hamilton should stick with what he has.

The survey comes just a week after Hamilton called on Mercedes to “own up” in an incendiary outburst. He told the BBC’s Chequered Flag Podcast: “Last year, there were things I told them. I said the issues that are with the car.

“I’ve driven so many cars in my life, so I know what a car needs. I know what a car doesn’t need. I think it’s really about accountability. It’s about owning up and saying, ‘Yeah, you know what? We didn’t listen to you. It’s not where it needs to be and we’ve got to work.”

The remarks have increased the rumours around Hamilton’s F1 future with a new agreement at Mercedes yet to be signed. Martin Brundle warned Hamilton is “not scared” to walk away from the team and stressed his head could turn if he faced “another season of duress”

Sky Sports F1 host Simon Lazenby had already predicted Hamilton could be tempted away from Mercedes if the team were not quick.

Speaking to Express Sport ahead of the season, he commented: “I wouldn’t rule it out. I think if anyone deserves an opportunity to be in the best possible car to be racing Max Verstappen it’s Lewis Hamilton. He’s not going to join Red Bull while Max is there. It’s the desire of all drivers to drive for Ferrari.

“In the past, Lewis has been quoted as saying he would like to drive for Ferrari. If Ferrari moves comfortably ahead of Mercedes I wouldn’t rule it out.”