I would expect Lewis to stick around until he gets his 8th, or at least until there is no real prospect of attaining it. Who wouldn’t want to set the new record. Equalling Michael is good, going one further is legendary status. I’m sure Lewis would have preferred Bottas for another year where he would only have to worry about Max challenging him for the title, rather than also having to keep one eye on his team mate. George outclassed Bottas in his first race with Mercedes at Bahrain, with little notice, preparation, or even a comfortable seating position. So he is going to be close and possibly cause some problems.
I thought it was interesting that it appears George has only been signed for a year. Well, that’s my assumption as all the media states “for 2022”. Is that a tactic by Toto to control George if needed by hanging a carrot in the form of a 2023 contract over his head?
Difficult to say what Lewis will do after F1. He isn’t the typical race driver. He has so many other interests and hobbies. I don’t expect him to do a Rosberg or Button and add himself to the already bloated punditry team (and for the record I think Button is great at it). He’s just as likely to appear on a rap record as he is on the Circuit de la Sarthe 😅