Button issues Hamilton retirement warning

Former F1 champion Jenson Button has warned Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes that a failure to produce a winning car could signal the end of the Briton's career.

Hamilton had won at least one race in each of the first 16 seasons of his career before the W13 struggled to make an impression last term.

George Russell picked up the only win for the challenger as porpoising hampered the team throughout the year, as well as the car being overweight and having poor drag efficiency.

READ MORE: Hamilton reveals 'only two things' he'd save from 2022 Mercedes

Button, who partnered Hamilton at McLaren between 2010 and 2012, warned that the inability to compete could spark the end for his former team-mate despite a desire to extend his contract.

"It is something we all go through at some point in our career and it is the reason why a lot of people retire - they are not in a winning car anymore," Button told Sky Sports F1.

"That is why I left.

"You can deal with the pressure you put yourself under and the calendar if you are in a winning car.

"If you are not, then you think 'you know what, I have had enough, I want to get out'.

"Mercedes have given him a winning car for so many years, last year it didn't but the car did win a race last year so you would say the end of the year, they were strong and Lewis was on it.

"His performances were very consistent though the mid-to-end of the season, very quick."

Hamilton to start 'flat out'

"He will start this year flat out, I think he is going to be on it from the word go," added Button.

"I look forward to seeing that. It will put a lot of pressure on George Russell in Mercedes but it is a good pairing.

"Lewis is going to be on it from the word go and I look forward to that fight."

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