Breaking news:Lewis Hamilton hints he could QUIT Mercedes before end of … Read more
Lewis Hamilton hints he could QUIT Mercedes before end of F1 season on team radio after blasting ‘worst car ever
Lewis Hamilton has dropped a significant hint that he may leave Mercedes earlier than expected, following a challenging experience at the Brazil Grand Prix. The weekend was marred by numerous car issues, exacerbated by persistent heavy rain, which left Hamilton feeling completely deflated by the time he crossed the finish line.
In a candid moment in the garage, Hamilton expressed his frustrations to his team, calling the weekend a “disaster.” He remarked that the performance of the car had reached an all-time low, stating, “That was a disaster of a weekend, guys. That is the worst the car has ever been.” Despite his disappointment, he acknowledged the efforts of the team, particularly praising the pit crew for their hard work during the race.
As speculation grows regarding his anticipated move to Ferrari, Hamilton implied that this could potentially be his final outing with Mercedes. He stated, “If this is the last time that I get to perform, it’s a shame it wasn’t great, but grateful for you.” This statement suggests that Hamilton is not only reflecting on the current season but is also considering the implications of his impending transition to Ferrari.
Following the race, Hamilton expressed his willingness to take a break for the remainder of the year, despite there being three races left on the calendar. He commented on the car’s performance, describing it as feeling like “a plank of wood” with no suspension, which resulted in a very rough ride. “It’s bouncing on the tyres everywhere and you can’t get on the power anywhere,” he lamented, emphasizing that the experience was the most uncomfortable he had ever encountered, especially through corners. He added, “It’s just so stiff,” indicating that the car’s setup was far from optimal.
Looking ahead, Hamilton mentioned that the final three races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi might not present the same bumpy challenges, expressing some hope that the conditions might be more favorable. Nevertheless, his willingness to step away from the sport temporarily underscores his frustration with the current situation.
Next season, Kimi Antonelli is set to take Hamilton’s place at Mercedes. The young driver, only 18 years old, has impressed in Formula 2 after progressing through Mercedes’ junior program, and he will join George Russell in the team’s lineup.
Hamilton’s remarks and overall demeanor indicate a profound sense of dissatisfaction with both the car’s performance and the challenges faced throughout the season. His honesty about the possibility of stepping away from racing temporarily speaks volumes about the level of pressure and expectation that accompanies a driver of his caliber. As Hamilton prepares for his final races with Mercedes, the motorsport community will be watching closely to see how his transition to Ferrari unfolds and whether he can reclaim the competitive edge that has defined much of his illustrious career.