Controversial Hamilton comments emerge as

Controversial Hamilton comments emerge as BRUTAL 2024 verdict given…Read

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has delivered a harsh critique of Lewis Hamilton, labeling the seven-time world champion as the biggest disappointment of the 2024 Formula 1 season. Hamilton’s final year with Mercedes before his anticipated move to Ferrari was filled with both highs and lows, which ultimately contributed to Coulthard’s critical assessment.

Hamilton’s 2024 campaign saw some notable achievements, most famously his victory at Silverstone, where he delighted his home crowd with a thrilling performance. However, his overall season was marred by struggles, especially in the qualifying rounds. Throughout the year, Hamilton found it increasingly difficult to match the pace of his teammate, George Russell, who consistently outperformed him in both Grand Prix and Sprint qualifying sessions. In fact, Hamilton lost 19-5 to Russell in GP qualifying and 5-1 in Sprint qualifying throughout the season. This stark disparity raised concerns about Hamilton’s form, especially for a driver of his caliber.

At the Brazilian Grand Prix, Hamilton’s frustrations were laid bare as he admitted he was considering ending his season early following another disappointing performance. This public declaration reflected the growing tension surrounding his future in the sport, with many questioning whether the aging champion still had the same drive and competitive edge that had defined his career.

Speaking on Viaplay’s F1 Talks 2024 Review, Coulthard didn’t hold back in his criticism. While also touching on the struggles of other drivers, such as Logan Sargeant, Coulthard focused much of his commentary on Hamilton, whom he described as the “biggest disappointment” of the season. The former Red Bull driver acknowledged Hamilton’s immense legacy as a seven-time world champion and a driver who had been a consistent winner throughout his career. However, Coulthard emphasized that the version of Hamilton seen in 2024 was a far cry from the dominant force the F1 world had grown accustomed to.

“Lewis is a seven-time world champion, a winning machine, but I’ve never seen this version of him in Formula 1,” Coulthard remarked. This statement underscored the stark contrast between Hamilton’s previous performances and his struggles in 2024. For many, Hamilton’s underwhelming season signaled the end of an era, as he seemed to battle both external competition and his own internal motivation.

The 2024 season raised serious questions about Hamilton’s ability to compete at the highest level, especially as the sport’s younger talents continue to emerge. His performances were inconsistent, with flashes of brilliance overshadowed by periods of uncharacteristic underperformance. These struggles were compounded by the fact that he was no longer able to dominate his own teammate in the same way he had in past seasons. Russell, by comparison, seemed to be steadily improving and establishing himself as a key figure at Mercedes, further fueling the belief that Hamilton’s best years might be behind him.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Hamilton faces an entirely new challenge as he makes his switch to Ferrari. The transition to the Italian team will be one of the most scrutinized moves in recent F1 history, as Hamilton seeks to reignite his career with a new team and a new set of circumstances. At Ferrari, Hamilton will partner with Charles Leclerc, who has been with the Scuderia for several years and has established himself as a potential future world champion. Leclerc’s position at Ferrari is secure, and he is likely to be the team’s lead driver, creating an interesting dynamic between the two drivers as they battle for supremacy within the team.

The pressure on Hamilton will be immense, as he looks to prove that he still has what it takes to win in F1, even as the sport’s landscape continues to evolve. Leclerc will undoubtedly see Hamilton as a formidable rival, but he will also seek to assert himself as Ferrari’s number one driver, making their partnership anything but smooth. This rivalry could lead to a compelling narrative for the 2025 season, with Hamilton fighting to show that he can still compete at the very top of the sport despite the challenges that lie ahead.

Ultimately, while 2024 may have been a difficult year for Lewis Hamilton, the upcoming season promises to be a defining one for his career. The move to Ferrari brings both opportunities and risks, and how Hamilton fares in his new team will likely determine whether he can continue to compete for championships or whether his decline will be confirmed.