Just In: Mercedes make LATE Hamilton change in official FIA announcement at Qatar Grand Prix...

Mercedes make LATE Hamilton change in official FIA announcement at Qatar Grand Prix

The FIA has confirmed a late modification to Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes F1 car ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix. This official announcement revealed that Hamilton’s team will be making changes to key components of his car, just as the seven-time Formula 1 world champion prepares for the final two races of his Mercedes career before his much-anticipated move to Ferrari in 2025.

Hamilton’s partnership with Mercedes has been one of the most successful in F1 history, spanning 12 seasons. During this time, the British driver has won six of his seven world championship titles and helped the team secure eight constructors’ championships. However, 2024 has been a challenging farewell season for Hamilton, with only two victories—in Britain and Belgium—masking what has otherwise been a disappointing year. Throughout the season, Hamilton has often been outpaced by his younger teammate, George Russell, both in qualifying and in races.

Heading into the Qatar Grand Prix, Hamilton is seventh in the drivers’ standings and is looking for a strong finish to the season in order to surpass Russell, who holds a narrow nine-point lead. With only two races left, Hamilton’s chances of overtaking his teammate in the standings are still possible, but he will need a strong showing in Qatar and the season finale to achieve this.

As the weekend gets underway at Lusail, a key adjustment has been made to Hamilton’s car. Mercedes has decided to change several components of his gearbox, including the gearbox case, cassette, driveline, and gear change mechanisms. This move was confirmed in an official FIA document, and while Hamilton will be running a new-look gearbox, he will not face a penalty for the changes, as he remains within the allowable allocation for the season.

Hamilton is the only driver on the grid this weekend who is taking a new gearbox, a decision that reflects the team’s efforts to maximize his performance in the final stretch of the season. Given Mercedes’ recent strong showing in Las Vegas, where they were competitive, the team is hopeful that these adjustments will give Hamilton a boost as he chases his third victory of the year in Qatar.

Despite the challenging season, Hamilton remains focused on ending his time with Mercedes on a high note. While his farewell campaign has not lived up to expectations, with a series of underwhelming results, his victories at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps have been highlights. However, consistent struggles in qualifying and race pace compared to Russell have made it a tough year for the veteran driver.

As Hamilton prepares for his final two races with Mercedes, the team will be doing everything possible to give him the best chance of success in Qatar and beyond. Although his time with Mercedes is coming to an end, Hamilton’s legacy with the team is undeniable. Over 12 seasons, he has achieved unprecedented success, and his contributions to the team’s dominance in Formula 1 will be remembered long after his departure.

With the Qatar Grand Prix approaching, all eyes will be on Hamilton as he attempts to secure one last win with Mercedes. The newly upgraded gearbox may provide the edge he needs to challenge at the front of the field, as he looks to close out his partnership with the team on a positive note before making his move to Ferrari for the 2025 season.