Lewis Hamilton replaced at Mexican Grand Prix after ..... More

Lewis Hamilton replaced at Mexican Grand Prix after Mercedes ‘puzzled’ at United States GP

Mercedes is poised to replace Lewis Hamilton for part of the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix weekend after a disappointing performance at the previous race in Austin. Hamilton faced a series of challenges, starting with a spin in Free Practice 1, which set the tone for a difficult weekend. He finished sixth in the Saturday sprint race and struggled to qualify, ending up in 19th place after being eliminated in Q1. His race on Sunday was even worse, as he crashed out on the third lap after initially making some progress to 12th place.

Team principal Toto Wolff expressed his confusion regarding the decline in performance of the Mercedes cars, particularly in contrast to his teammate George Russell, who finished sixth. Wolff’s inability to pinpoint the cause of the issues has led to a decision to experiment with the team’s setup by allowing young driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli to take part in FP1 during the Mexican weekend.

Antonelli, an 18-year-old talent, has already made an impression in his earlier FP1 outing at the Italian Grand Prix in August. Although his time at Monza was cut short due to a spin, he demonstrated considerable speed and potential, which caught the attention of the team’s personnel. The upcoming session in Mexico will provide him with another opportunity to showcase his skills, while also allowing Mercedes to fulfill their commitment to include a junior driver in one practice session per race weekend.

This move not only serves as a chance for Antonelli to gain experience but also allows Mercedes to closely evaluate the latest upgrades to their W15 car. The decision to give Antonelli a chance is timely, especially with Hamilton’s future at the team in question. He is set to depart for Ferrari at the end of the season, making this an opportune moment for Mercedes to start preparing for the transition.

Antonelli has been enjoying a strong season in the FIA Formula 1 Championship, where he currently sits sixth in the overall standings, with notable victories at Silverstone and Hungary. His track record highlights his readiness to compete at a higher level, and his participation in FP1 will be crucial as he prepares for a full-time seat in 2025.

Hamilton’s recent struggles have raised questions about the car’s performance versus his driving abilities. After his difficult outing in Austin, he suggested that the problems were more related to the car than to any mistakes on his part. With only five races left before he leaves Mercedes, the pressure is mounting for Hamilton to end his long tenure with the team on a high note.

As Mercedes continues to navigate this transition, the focus will be on both Hamilton’s remaining performances and Antonelli’s development as a future star. The Mexican Grand Prix weekend will be a significant test for the team as they look to understand their current performance issues while also laying the groundwork for a successful future with Antonelli in the lineup.

The introduction of young talent like Antonelli into a high-pressure environment underscores the team’s commitment to nurturing new drivers while also addressing the immediate needs of the team. It reflects a strategic approach that balances current competitive demands with long-term planning. As the F1 season progresses, all eyes will be on how Mercedes adapts to these changes and what it means for Hamilton’s legacy with the team.