Breaking news:FIA Announces Last-Minute Change to Hamilton’s Car at Abu Dhabi GP Amid Investigation.,……read more
FIA Announces Last-Minute Change to Hamilton’s Car at Abu Dhabi GP Amid Investigation.,……read more
In a surprising development at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the FIA has confirmed that Mercedes made a late change to Lewis Hamilton’s car, just ahead of the weekend’s races. The announcement came after a delay in the qualifying session, which was caused by an unusual incident at the Yas Marina Circuit. This change marks the latest twist in Hamilton’s 2024 campaign, which has already been a year full of challenges and mixed results.
Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, had hoped for a strong finish to the season, but it has been a tough year for the Briton. Despite taking two race wins and achieving a career milestone of 105 total victories, the 39-year-old has struggled to maintain his dominance. He currently sits seventh in the driver standings, well behind his teammate George Russell, who has outqualified Hamilton in 18 of the 23 events held so far in the season. This stark contrast in performances has highlighted a significant dip in form for the veteran driver, especially at key races like Silverstone and Spa.
As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix approaches, Hamilton is determined to turn things around and secure a strong finish to his Mercedes career. This race will be especially poignant, as Hamilton is set to join Ferrari from 2025, aiming to claim an unprecedented eighth world title and further cement his place as the most successful driver in F1 history. The upcoming move to Ferrari has generated significant buzz within the motorsport world, as fans and pundits alike eagerly await what could be one of the most high-profile shifts in F1 in recent years.
However, the final race of 2024 in Abu Dhabi is proving to be anything but straightforward. Ahead of the race weekend, Mercedes made a late technical adjustment to Hamilton’s car. According to an official FIA document, the team used a different gearbox assembly for Hamilton’s W15 car during the practice sessions (FP1 and FP2). This change was made outside of the restricted-number-components (RNC) regulations, which limit teams to using specific parts a limited number of times during the season. Notably, the change to Hamilton’s gearbox marked the third time Mercedes had utilized this option in 2024, as teams are only allowed to make such changes up to four times per season without incurring a penalty.
The FIA confirmed that, due to this being the third occurrence of a gearbox change within the allowable limit, Hamilton will not face a penalty for the adjustment. Despite the change, which could have impacted his car’s performance in the opening practice sessions, Hamilton will be free to continue without the concern of any additional grid penalties, allowing him to focus on securing a solid result at the Yas Marina Circuit.
While the late change to Hamilton’s car is not expected to disrupt his race weekend dramatically, it has added an extra layer of intrigue to what has already been a highly eventful season for both Hamilton and Mercedes. The team has struggled to find the optimal performance balance throughout the year, and Hamilton’s form has been inconsistent compared to his younger teammate, Russell. The gearbox change could be seen as a strategic move to give Hamilton a better chance of finishing his time with Mercedes on a high note.
As for the investigation mentioned in the announcement, it is unclear whether it pertains to the gearbox change or another issue. However, with the increased scrutiny on technical compliance and potential breaches of regulations, the FIA’s investigation could have wider implications for both the team and the broader F1 landscape.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is typically one of the most dramatic races on the calendar, and with all eyes on Hamilton as he prepares for his final race with Mercedes, the stakes have never been higher. The late gearbox change adds another layer of complexity to what is already a significant moment in the career of one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers. With Hamilton’s future at Ferrari looming and his desire to end his Mercedes chapter with a strong performance, fans can expect an exciting and unpredictable race ahead.
In conclusion, Hamilton’s journey to the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been filled with highs and lows. The announcement of a late change to his car and the subsequent investigation by the FIA only adds to the intrigue of his final race with Mercedes. With his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest drivers on the line, Hamilton will be hoping to overcome the challenges of this season and finish strong at Yas Marina, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter with Ferrari in 2025.
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