Hamilton and Mercedes ready for SHOCK U-TURN

Hamilton and Mercedes ready for SHOCK U-TURN

Lewis Hamilton’s final season with Mercedes, expected to be a triumphant swan song, has instead become his most challenging year in Formula 1.

Despite a few high points, such as an emotional win at Silverstone and a strong showing at Spa, the season has been marred by poor performances in Austin, Mexico, and Brazil.

McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari have outpaced Mercedes, leaving the once-dominant team struggling in the midfield.

One of Hamilton’s defining traits, however, is his ability to persevere through adversity, and he is unlikely to end his Mercedes career on such a low note.

This resilience could fuel a late-season turnaround as he and the team aim to finish 2024 on a positive trajectory in the final three races.

Mercedes’ engineering director, Andrew Shovlin, has tempered expectations for the Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, emphasizing that the team’s focus has shifted to learning from their struggles to prepare for next year.

By deprioritizing immediate results, Mercedes may benefit from reduced pressure while rivals like Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren are preoccupied with intense battles for the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.

This dynamic could open opportunities for Mercedes, particularly if on-track incidents or rival tensions disrupt their competitors’ races.

George Russell’s near-podium performance in Brazil showcased Mercedes’ potential, though a red flag ultimately cost him the result.

Hamilton, however, struggled to extract similar performance from the W15 at Interlagos, highlighting the ongoing challenges he faces with the car.

To lead a resurgence, Hamilton may need to channel the determination and inspiration that have defined his storied career.

November 15 marks the anniversary of Hamilton’s seventh world title, achieved at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix.

Reflecting on his words from that time could provide the motivational spark he and the team need. Hamilton’s message of perseverance—“Nothing is impossible.

A driving force for me this year has been to set an example for the next generation, to never give up on your dreams”—embodies the mindset required for a strong finish to the season.

Though Mercedes’ performance has lagged behind this year, the team’s freedom from championship contention could allow them to focus on incremental improvements and capitalize on rivals’ missteps.

If Hamilton can channel his championship-winning mindset and the team can build on flashes of potential, they might yet deliver a memorable conclusion to 2024.