Button explains why he believes Hamilton will continue

Jenson Button says he expects Lewis Hamilton to continue in F1 for the 2022 season and push on for what would be a record-breaking eighth world title. Hamilton has been silent since last month's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he missed out on the title to Max Verstappen following a controversial Safety Car period. Hamilton's only interview came immediately post-race, with former teammate Button asking the questions, while he has also taken a break from posting to his social media channels.

Button expects Hamilton to continue

Ultimately, Button expects the lure of fighting for an eighth crown, and surpassing Michael Schumacher on the all-time list of champions, to tempt Hamilton back. In an appearance on Good Morning Britain , Button was asked for an update regarding Hamilton's future, and whether he had been in touch, to which Button joked: "Where's my phone?" He continued: "I do know [I was] the only person to interview Lewis after the last race. I mean, the whole world heard that interview, so I don't have the inside scoop! "[But] I really do hope he'll be racing; I think he will be racing. "He wants to win that eighth title to be the most decorated F1 driver in history. He will do that; I really do think so."

F1 in an "amazing place" for 2022

Despite these question marks, Button feels that F1 is in great shape, given Hamilton and Verstappen's season-long battle for last year's title and the all-new technical regulations coming into play in 2022 . "[It was] a controversial end to the season, but I think you've got to look at the season as a whole," added Button. "F1 is in an amazing place [with] two fantastic drivers going at it every weekend. "I think everyone's excited about the new season, the new regulations, and it's all about the development of these cars through the year." Hamilton has been joined at Mercedes by George Russell for the upcoming campaign.