David Croft says Lewis Hamilton already ‘deserves’ to have eight F1 world titles

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Lewis Hamilton should be an eight-time Formula 1 world champion already, David Croft has said in a pointed reference to the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Hamilton continues his pursuit of an unprecedented eighth title in his 20th F1 season. He is looking to become the first quadrigenarian to win the title since Jack Brabham in 1966.

The Briton was on course to surpass Michael Schumacher’s record at the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP before FIA race director Michael Masi incorrectly implemented the safety-car restart procedure, giving Max Verstappen a chance to overtake and snatch the title.

Is it unrealistic to expect another title from Lewis Hamilton in his 20th F1 season?

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David Croft ‘would love’ to see Lewis Hamilton win another title

In an appearance for Kayo Sports on the eve of the new F1 season (via Speedcafe), Croft said that Hamilton already ‘deserves’ to be an eight-time world champion. He would ‘love’ his fellow Stevenage native to win another title before he retires.

Croft believes Hamilton is the greatest of all time even though Verstappen, now a four-time champion himself, is making an increasingly strong case for that mantle.

He said: “Lewis Hamilton, who’s won eight, sorry seven world titles during his career. Should be eight. One day, I’d love to see it become eight. He deserves to have eight. He is the greatest we’ve ever seen.”

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Following winter testing, Croft believes Ferrari are the third-fastest team behind Mercedes and McLaren. He regards Hamilton as one of six title contenders alongside teammate Charles Leclerc, Verstappen, George Russell, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

“I think the top four teams of Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull, in that order coming out of testing, have six drivers within those teams that realistically have an opportunity to become champion,” he said.

David Croft risks Max Verstappen backlash by repeating Ted Kravitz mistake

During the 2021 season, Ted Kravitz infamously said that Hamilton was ‘robbed’ of the 2021 title. This led Max Verstappen to boycott Sky Sports UK at the following race.

When they met for talks afterwards, Verstappen explained that Kravitz had ignited a fresh backlash from certain fans online. His family were caught in the crossfire.

Verstappen respected Kravitz’s right to an opinion, but the episode showed the dangers of stirring up controversy, even when it’s unintentional.

Croft is in a difficult position. He doesn’t want to be accused of sidestepping the scandal, which has become a taboo in F1, but equally, there may be a good reason why pundits are so reluctant to talk about it.