Martin Brundle makes feelings clear on Lewis Hamilton as Mercedes react to speculation about early departure

Hamilton finished 10th at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday and, in the aftermath, criticised his car.

The Stevenage-born racer said it was like 'driving a plank of wood' at times and that he was looking forward to a well-earned rest when the season concludes next month.

Marko, speaking recently, expressed a belief that Hamilton would win a record eighth F1 title if he was racing for McLaren.

Yet that's something Brundle doesn't agree with.

The Sky Sports pundit said: "I don't agree with that, it's a potshot.

“It’s a classic McLaren vs Red Bull [story], that’s just typical Formula One paddock one-upmanship.

JUST IN: Roy Keane makes feelings clear on wearing poppy after Joey Barton called him out

“We see it all the time, I quite like it actually. It’s all part of the sport."

Brundle then said that while Hamilton is 'one of the all-time greats', he doesn't think his performances this season can justify Marko's claim.

“Lewis is one of the all-time greats… I don’t think I’ve seen anything Lewis is doing this year which would have made enough of a difference to have won the world championship over Max Verstappen and Red Bull," he added.

Meanwhile, Hamilton was downbeat after his struggles in Brazil over the weekend.

READ MORE:Man United star 'turned up a stone overweight' with Erik ten Hag left 'unhappy' before sacking

The F1 star fuelled talk that he could be about to leave Mercedes early following remarks made on the team radio.

Hamilton said: If this is the last time that I get to perform, it’s a shame it wasn’t great, but grateful for you.”

The Briton is set to race for Ferrari next term.

But Mercedes, per Sky Sports, have no plans to let the Formula One legend go early.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

• Emma Raducanu refuses to let Porsche saga slide as tennis star sends two-word message
• Lewis Hamilton offers 'a million dollars' reward after sparking speculation over future
• Phil Taylor lands new job ahead of return to darts - but there is a twist

They insist Hamilton will be behind the wheel for the final three races of the season.

The next Grand Prix will take place in Las Vegas on November 24.

Hamilton will have the backing of the crowd, with the 39-year-old a popular figure out in America.

But it's Verstappen who will be the favourite to secure victory, especially given how he won the event last year.

The penultimate race takes place in Qatar on December 1.

And the season will then conclude in Abu Dhabi on December 8.