3 Instances Where Mercedes' Strategy Hampered Lewis Hamilton's

3 Instances Where Mercedes’ Strategy Hampered Lewis Hamilton’s Race Results …….read more

Lewis Hamilton’s relationship with the Mercedes Formula 1 team has been one of the most successful in the history of the sport. Since joining the Brackley-based team in 2013, Hamilton has achieved extraordinary success, including securing six of his seven Drivers’ Championships from 2014 to 2020. Over his 12 years with the team, he has accumulated 84 race victories and eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships from 2014 to 2021. However, despite these remarkable accomplishments, there have been several occasions where the team’s strategy failed him, costing him valuable positions, wins, or podium finishes. Below are three key instances where Mercedes’ strategy compromised Hamilton’s race result.

1. Singapore GP 2024 – A Strong Qualifying but a Compromised Race

The 2024 Singapore Grand Prix presented a strong opportunity for Lewis Hamilton, who managed an impressive performance in qualifying. He secured P3, just a tenth behind the pole-sitter Max Verstappen, putting him in a good position to fight for the win. Given his struggles with one-lap pace throughout the 2024 season, this performance was particularly significant. However, the race unfolded differently, with Mercedes opting for a soft tire strategy at the start in an attempt to gain positions early in the race.

The warmer temperatures and tire degradation, however, had a significant impact on Hamilton’s race. He failed to capitalize on his strong qualifying performance, unable to make significant inroads at the start. As the race progressed, his tire strategy faltered, and he lost grip and pace. By the time the checkered flag waved, Hamilton finished in P6, a disappointing result, over 85 seconds behind the race winner, Lando Norris. Despite his promising starting position and strong qualifying, the team’s strategy, coupled with unfavorable conditions, ensured that Hamilton’s race was compromised.

2. US Grand Prix 2023 – A Missed Win in Austin

The 2023 Formula 1 season was largely dominated by Max Verstappen and his Red Bull team, with few opportunities for other drivers to challenge for race victories. However, the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, presented a rare opportunity for Mercedes to compete for the top spots. Hamilton was on form throughout the weekend, and by race day, he was firmly in the mix for a potential win.

Mercedes, however, opted for a more conservative strategy, which ultimately cost Hamilton a chance at victory. The team decided to cover the two-stop strategy of Lando Norris, who was in third place, rather than opting for a more aggressive one-stop strategy that could have challenged Verstappen for the lead. While the two-stop strategy might have been a safer bet, it lacked the boldness needed to put pressure on the dominant Red Bull driver. As a result, Hamilton finished just two seconds behind Verstappen, missing out on what could have been his first race win under the new aerodynamic regulations. The missed opportunity was a bitter pill for Hamilton, especially