As his one-time mentor Ron Dennis starts the new year with the satisfaction of a knighthood, Lewis Hamilton begins it wondering whether he can ever claim the prize he desires most: an eighth world title to cap the most illustrious career in Formula One history. What is clear, however, is that it is a big year for Lewis and Mercedes. Speaking from Mallorca, where he is spending New Year, Watson said: ‘I believe Lewis still has the skills to win another world title. But it is a big year for him and Mercedes and (team principal) Toto Wolff. ‘If Lewis still has the same fire in his belly that Fernando (Alonso, 42 years old and driving superbly for Aston Martin), I see no reason why Lewis can’t go on to take an eighth title.

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