Will Hamilton miss McLaren? He claims to have no regrets, aside from the lack
of silverware in his trophy cabinet. “Should I have had more championships?”
he said. “Absolutely. I feel like I drove really well in 2007 and 2008. In
2009 I was ready to do the same [but the car was not competitive]. Two
thousand and ten was not bad. Two thousand and eleven was not good. I don’t
feel I deserved to win that year as well.
“This year I feel like I’ve had the potential to win – and I’m pretty
sure I’ll feel the same next year. I’m in the best place physically and
mentally that I’ve been in for a long, long time.”
Mercedes will reap the benefit, although whether they are in a position to
take full advantage is a moot point. The Brackley team have failed to win a
point in the five races since Hamilton dropped his bombshell and there are
few changes to the cars for next year.
Jenson Button was in no doubt this week that his team-mate was taking a huge
risk, virtually writing Hamilton off as a threat next term. “I’m definitely
going to be more up against him here than I will be when he is at his new
team,” he said. “I still think it’s the wrong decision, but it’s his own.”
Hamilton Snr, back in his son’s life and back in the McLaren
garage, begged to differ. “I’m optimistic for next year,” he said. “Lewis
has been winning races every year since he was eight years old in karts. I
believe next year will be a good year.”
Time will tell. For now Hamilton is simply concentrating on ending an
extraordinary relationship on a high. In Texas last weekend the 27 year-old
caused a minor stir by electing to stencil the letters H. A. M on the back
of his helmet, the last of which stood for an obscenity. He later removed
it.
The message on Hamilton’s helmet this weekend is far more elegant. Against the
familiar yellow backdrop – the same colour worn by his hero Ayrton Senna –
are three simple words: ‘Thank you McLaren.’ It has been some ride.