Is Hamilton likely to match Vettel with 4 WDC wins?

[Merlin5]

OR, even surpass it with 5?

It's pretty much a foregone conclusion that it's in the bag for Lewis this year, only, what, 5 races to go? That'll make 3 championships for him. Assuming Mercedes build on their current form next year and still keep ahead of the competition, there's no reason he can't get WDC number 4 and match Seb.

THEN, there's of course 2017 to potentially make it five WDC wins. I know he COULD but does anyone think it's probably unlikely? Wouldn't that make him second to Schumacher in terms of multiple championships?

 

[Merlin5]

Like you say, third looks on, fourth looks likely, but beyond that it's down to Mercedes remaining competitive (likely for a few years more, given there won't be big changes, right?) and not signing a better driver to partner him... if that happens he'll have a good chance competing with the likes of Vettel and Ricciardo (and Alonso ).

Is there any news or rumours about Rosberg for 2016, is he likely to stay with Toto?

 

[Merlin5]

Hamilton will definitely get 4. Even if it's not with Merc he always has an open door at every other team on the grid. Who would refuse a driver of his talent?

His weakness was qualifying last year and this year he's obviously sorted that out. He's got that hotlap edge that Vettel was known for.

Hmm, not so sure he'll definitely get 4 if he's not with Merc. Unless however, he times his move to another team as well as he did when he moved from McLaren, which was indeed perfect timing. If he moves to another team when that team has a better car than Merc, then yeah, definitely.

He's an awesome driver with a special gift, and would do better than other drivers in the same specced car. But even so, you still have to be in the best car and coupled with your talent to be the ultimate winner. The best talent on the grid alone without the best car is not enough as Alonso and several others have proved.