F1 INSIDER REVIEWS: Lewis Hamilton Battles Teammate Russell to

Lewis Hamilton Battles Teammate Russell to Finish Fourth at the Mexican Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton continued his strong form in the 2024 Formula 1 season with a fourth-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion, driving for Mercedes, put on a determined performance, marked by an intense battle with teammate George Russell, as the pair fought for valuable points. While Hamilton pushed hard for a podium, he ultimately secured fourth place behind race winner Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris, and Charles Leclerc.

From the early laps, Mercedes showed they were in for a competitive outing, with both Hamilton and Russell battling closely with the front-runners. The Mexican Grand Prix began with Sainz taking the lead, and Max Verstappen quickly fell into contention with his rivals, but it was the intra-team fight at Mercedes that garnered attention.

Hamilton, known for his racecraft and ability to manage tires, found himself chasing his younger teammate for much of the race. As the laps went by, Mercedes’ race engineers allowed both drivers to compete freely, signaling that the duo were “free to race,” giving fans a glimpse of tense moments between the two. While Russell defended his position valiantly, Hamilton’s experience ultimately helped him inch ahead in the closing stages.

Hamilton’s strategy involved pitting at a critical moment, which saw him lose some positions temporarily. However, as the race unfolded, it became clear that his long-term approach was paying off. After a relatively slow start, Hamilton steadily made his way back through the field, even managing to put pressure on the third-place driver, Norris, at certain points.

Russell, on the other hand, had to contend with minor technical issues on his car, including an “asymmetry” in his front wing. Despite these challenges, Russell remained competitive, exchanging positions with Hamilton before the latter gained the upper hand.

Though Hamilton’s ambition to reach the podium fell just short, his fourth-place finish showcased his enduring quality as one of the sport’s elite drivers. The battle for supremacy within Mercedes has been a fascinating subplot throughout the season, and the Mexican Grand Prix was no different, with the two drivers pushing each other to the limit.

The Mexican Grand Prix was ultimately a race of multiple storylines, with Carlos Sainz of Ferrari securing his second victory of the season. The Spaniard demonstrated great racecraft, taking the lead early on and managing his tires expertly, fending off competition from both Norris and Leclerc. Sainz’s victory came after a dramatic tussle with Verstappen, who was penalized twice during the race.

Verstappen, aiming for another win to add to his impressive season, received two 10-second penalties for incidents involving Norris, which pushed him down to sixth place. Despite a long pit stop and time penalties, the Dutchman tried to mount a recovery drive, but his efforts were not enough to challenge the top finishers.

With only a few races left in the 2024 season, Hamilton and Mercedes are still in the hunt for strong finishes. While the driver and constructor championships may already be settled, every point is crucial for both Hamilton and Russell as they aim to finish the season on a high note. The fight for third in the drivers’ standings remains a tight one, with Hamilton still eyeing more podium finishes as the season nears its conclusion.

As the F1 circus moves to Brazil next, all eyes will be on Hamilton to see if he can capitalize on his momentum and potentially push for a win.