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Hamilton, 37, has stayed silent since the 2021 season ended in
uproar in Abu Dhabi last month, and his Mercedes team have
indicated he is waiting to see the governing FIA's response to
what went on.
"I wouldn’t be shocked if he stopped. So I don’t think anyone
should take for granted he’s coming back," Brown told reporters
at the McLaren factory.
"My personal opinion is he’s going to (return) but I don’t think
we should discount or not recognise his frustration, his anger,"
said Brown.
"I don’t think we should rule it out or make light of it. I just
personally think he still has a burning desire to race and that
will ultimately drive his decision."
The possibility that the sport's biggest star and most
successful driver of all time could walk away has been a major
talking point over the winter break and has kept the pressure on
the FIA.
Hamilton, who took his first title with Mercedes-powered McLaren
in 2008, was leading the race at Yas Marina when a late safety
car changed everything after race director Michael Masi altered
procedures.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen, on fresher tyres, was handed a clear
run on Hamilton and won the title. The FIA has opened an
investigation into what happened.
Brown said Hamilton was at the top of his game and a fighter.
"I don’t think he’s ready to retire," he said. "I don’t think
he’s going to let an incident put him into retirement."
The McLaren boss would not comment on Masi, although some in the
sport believe the Australian's position has become untenable,
but said there was a need for more consistency in applying the
rules.
He suggested the sport should roll the clock back to the days
when the late Charlie Whiting, Masi's predecessor, and his
deputy Herbie Blash worked as a team in race control.
Brown also expressed confidence in Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the
newly elected Emirati president of the FIA who has replaced
Frenchman Jean Todt.
"I’ve spent a good amount of time with him and I believe he will
be a change agent where things need to be changed and improved
upon. He also consults," said the American.
"He’s already done the rounds with the teams, talking to us
about what we think. So I think he’s going to be a very good
president."
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
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