Lewis Hamilton was told he has only one option for his Formula 1 future if he wants to continue racing.
The Brit, 38, previously stated he did not want to still be racing in F1 by the time he turned 40. But he has since changed his mind on that subject, having rediscovered his true passion for the sport since the blow of missing out on the 2021 title in such controversial circumstances.
Both he and Toto Wolff pledged late last year to thrash out a new deal over the winter. But a new Mercedes contract never materialised, with Hamilton globetrotting during his time off and the team focussed on their preparations for the 2023 season.
It hasn't begun as well as hoped, and so contract talks are on the back burner once again with all efforts going in to improving the competitiveness of the car. As Hamilton's current deal expires at the end of this year, it has led to plenty of speculation over his future.
Some reports have claimed he might decide to retire after all. Others suggest the seven-time world champion is so desperate to add to that collection that he would consider a move to another team if he felt they were better placed for a title tilt – Ferrari the name most commonly linked.
But Jenson Button can only see one outcome for his former McLaren team-mate. The 2009 F1 world champion is not convinced that a feasible move to another team will come about, even if Hamilton was considering such a switch.
"Well, he's loyal, but I also don't think he's got the options that he would want," said Button. "I don't really think he would have the option at Red Bull – I don't think he would be the right fit alongside Max [Verstappen].
"I don't think he'd be at Ferrari. Aston Martin? Definitely won't be going to Aston Martin – they've got two seats that are going to be filled there for a little while. I think his future will be at Mercedes but he is also a loyal character and it's good to see him going through some tough times with that team.
"I think they will come out the other side together, you know? It's a rollercoaster in Formula 1, especially when you've been on top for that long, there's going to be a dip. But if you can stay with that team, they will rise to the top again – he's not going to retire."
