'The desire is lost'- Formula 1 legend predicts Lewis Hamilton's 2023 retirement

• Formula 1 legend Gerhard Berger suggests that Lewis Hamilton could soon quit the sport.

• Berger believes that 2021 was Hamilton's last chance at an eighth title.

• Hamilton's Mercedes team has been way off the pace in 2022.

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Lewis Hamilton's racing career could be speeding towards the finish line, according to Formula 1 legend Gerhard Berger.

On the face of it, there appears to be hope, with Mercedes announcing that the "first new parts" in the uncompetitive 2022 campaign so far are due in Miami.

Hamilton's former teammate Valtteri Bottas said: "I'm sure we'll see the Lewis we're all used to soon. At the same time, I have to admit - I didn't think it would be this difficult for Mercedes."

Indeed, Hamilton's latest post on Instagram appears to be a direct retort to a growing rank of pundits and insiders predicting early retirement for the 37-year-old.

"Working on my masterpiece," the photo caption reads. "I'll be the one to decide when it's finished."

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A post shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton)

'His last chance'

Hamilton hit out at Mika Hakkinen for suggesting retirement may be nearing, and now Hakkinen has been joined by another F1 legend - Berger.

Berger told Speed Week: "The title that slipped through his fingers against Verstappen last year was perhaps his last chance to be the sole record world champion. If it doesn't work out this year and possibly next year, then his career could be over. After so many races, so much dominance, and so many successes, I can imagine that in this situation the desire is lost."

READ: How long will Mercedes continue to protect Lewis Hamilton?

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