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Hamilton and Mercedes to make SURPRISE change
Hamilton and Mercedes Set for Unexpected Turnaround in Final Races
Lewis Hamilton’s final season with Mercedes could take an unexpected twist as the seven-time world champion approaches the last three races of the 2024 Formula 1 calendar.
Despite occasional highlights such as his victories at Silverstone and Spa, Hamilton has faced a challenging season, with Mercedes struggling to compete against the likes of McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari.
The team finds itself trailing behind the top competitors, stuck in a performance gap that has left Hamilton frustrated.
However, Hamilton is known for his resilience in the face of adversity, and he will undoubtedly aim to end his time with Mercedes on a high note, despite the team’s current struggles.
A potential performance resurgence in the upcoming races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi could offer the perfect farewell to one of Formula 1’s greatest partnerships.
Mercedes Adopts a Learning-Focused Approach
Mercedes’ trackside engineering director, Andrew Shovlin, has indicated that the team’s focus has shifted away from outright performance in these final races.
Instead, the emphasis is on gathering crucial data to improve their competitiveness in 2025.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, Shovlin admitted, “The big focus in these remaining races for us is learning what we can… Our focus has very much shifted to learning what we need to this year to apply to next year in order to get on top of those issues.”
While these comments may not suggest an immediate comeback, they hint at a strategic shift that could relieve pressure on the team and allow them to approach the remaining races with less at stake.
Unlike Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren—who are embroiled in fierce championship battles—Mercedes could use their outsider status to their advantage, potentially capitalizing on any mistakes or missteps from their rivals.
Glimpses of Potential
The W15’s struggles have been evident, but there have been moments of promise for the team.
George Russell’s near-podium finish in Brazil before the race was interrupted by a red flag demonstrated the car’s potential in certain conditions.
While Hamilton has found it harder to extract similar performance from the car, these flashes of competitiveness suggest Mercedes still has the capability to disrupt the status quo in the remaining races.
Hamilton, however, will need to dig deep to overcome his frustrations with the car’s inconsistency.
The seven-time champion is renowned for his ability to rise to the occasion, and his determination to lead Mercedes to a strong finish could inspire the team to outperform expectations.
Drawing Inspiration from the Past
Hamilton may find motivation in reflecting on his past achievements, particularly as November 15 marks the anniversary of his seventh world championship triumph.
His words from that victory serve as a reminder of his resilience and ability to overcome challenges: “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,” he said at the time.
“I was told by many that my dream was impossible, yet here I am.I want you to know that you can do it too. Never give up, keep fighting, and let’s keep rising to the occasion.”
This mindset could prove pivotal in helping Hamilton and the team rally for one final push.
By channeling the determination and optimism that have defined his career, Hamilton has the opportunity to turn his frustrations into fuel for success.
A Positive Farewell?
While the odds may be stacked against them, Hamilton and Mercedes still have much to fight for in the final three races of the season.
If the team can capitalize on its learning-focused approach and any on-track chaos between their rivals, they could deliver a performance turnaround that surprises both fans and competitors.
For Hamilton, the prospect of ending his legendary Mercedes career on a high note remains a powerful motivator.
By embracing the challenges of 2024 with the same spirit that has driven his previous successes, he and Mercedes might yet create a memorable finale to their historic partnership.
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