Breaking: Lewis Hamilton faces F1 frustration as Mercedes lay out masterplan to help Ki…read more
Lewis Hamilton faces F1 frustration as Mercedes lay out masterplan to help Ki…read more
Lewis Hamilton is preparing for a challenging conclusion to his Mercedes tenure, as the team pivots its focus to 2025. According to Mercedes’ trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin, the final three races of the 2024 Formula 1 season will serve as critical testing grounds for George Russell and rising star Kimi Antonelli, leaving Hamilton’s immediate prospects dim.
Hamilton, who will move to Ferrari during the off-season, has endured one of the most lackluster campaigns of his illustrious career. Despite a brief mid-season resurgence that saw him secure two wins and a podium, the seven-time world champion has struggled with inconsistency, compounded by Mercedes’ underperforming W15.
This disparity was starkly evident during the wet conditions of the recent Brazilian Grand Prix. While George Russell managed a composed drive, leading for the first half of the race before finishing fourth, Hamilton wrestled with the car, visibly struggling to maintain control. The contrasting performances highlighted the car’s unpredictability and its unsuitability for Hamilton’s driving style, contributing to his frustrations.
As the team approaches the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hamilton’s chances of ending his Mercedes career with a victory or even a podium look increasingly unlikely. Mercedes has been outpaced by Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull, leaving little hope for a turnaround in the season’s final stages.
Shovlin admitted that the team’s focus has shifted to addressing its fundamental weaknesses, particularly in slow, interconnected corners—a recurring Achilles’ heel for the W15. “The main thing in terms of learning is that the corners we are weak in are still the same ones,” Shovlin stated. “Sector two in Brazil, with its slow, intricate corners, was always going to be a challenge for us, and it highlighted our deficiencies.”
Shovlin emphasized the importance of the remaining races in gathering data to inform the development of next year’s car. This effort is crucial as Mercedes works to support George Russell and prepare rookie driver Kimi Antonelli, who is set to make his full-time debut in 2025.
While the focus on the future offers hope for Mercedes’ long-term prospects, it leaves Hamilton in a difficult position, likely ending his storied career with the team on a low note. For Hamilton, the conclusion of the season may not bring the triumphant farewell he had envisioned, but his legacy at Mercedes remains undeniable.
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