F1 champion reveals MAJOR Hamilton advantage following ...

F1 champion reveals MAJOR Hamilton advantage following …read more

A Formula 1 world champion has suggested that Lewis Hamilton may have been given an advantage during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, particularly in his final race with Mercedes. The 39-year-old British driver put on a remarkable performance at the Yas Marina Circuit, starting from 16th on the grid and working his way through the field to finish in fourth place. Despite a challenging season, Hamilton’s display in Abu Dhabi was a testament to his exceptional racecraft, once again proving why he is regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport.

Hamilton, who will be joining Ferrari from the 2025 season, is aiming to secure his elusive eighth world championship title, a feat that would further cement his legacy in Formula 1. In Abu Dhabi, Hamilton also managed to outperform his teammate George Russell in the final stages of the race, pulling off a stunning last-lap overtake. This victory over Russell was particularly noteworthy, as the younger British driver had been ahead of Hamilton in terms of performance for most of the season.

The Mercedes driver’s recovery from a poor qualifying session in Las Vegas earlier in the season, where he finished second after starting far down the grid, highlighted his resilience and skill behind the wheel. This form has given Ferrari hope that they can tap into Hamilton’s experience and expertise when he joins the team in 2025. For Hamilton, however, the focus is on Ferrari providing him with a competitive car capable of regularly competing for race wins. The Scuderia is expected to be back in contention for the championship in 2024, making the timing of Hamilton’s move even more crucial as he aims to continue his pursuit of a title.

While Hamilton’s performance in Abu Dhabi was exceptional, 2016 F1 world champion Nico Rosberg has suggested that the British driver may have had a slight advantage over his teammate in the final race with Mercedes. Rosberg, who is a former teammate of Hamilton at Mercedes, pointed to the fact that the team was experimenting with two different car setups during the weekend. According to Rosberg, it appears that George Russell was on a less optimal setup compared to Hamilton, which could have contributed to the differing performances of the two drivers.

Rosberg mentioned this theory during a discussion on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, acknowledging that Russell’s setup wasn’t ideal for the Abu Dhabi weekend. However, he also praised Russell for not making a big deal out of it and focusing on the bigger picture. Rosberg added that Hamilton’s drive was impressive, and that it was clear the seven-time world champion showed his “great qualities” once again, demonstrating his skill and determination even in a difficult season.

While Rosberg’s comments raise questions about the fairness of the team’s treatment of the two drivers during the race weekend, they also shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics at Mercedes. Teams often experiment with different car setups to gather data and optimize performance, but the timing of such experiments can have a significant impact on results, especially in the context of a high-stakes race like the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. In this case, it appears that Hamilton’s setup was better suited to the demands of the circuit, allowing him to showcase his driving talents and finish ahead of Russell.

Despite the potential advantage, Hamilton’s performance in Abu Dhabi was still nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to make up places in the race and execute a late-race overtake on his teammate highlighted the skill and racecraft that have defined his career. For Mercedes, it was a fitting end to Hamilton’s time with the team, as the British driver made sure to leave a lasting impression with his skill, determination, and ability to deliver under pressure.

Looking ahead, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is expected to be a pivotal moment in his career. As he seeks to add a record-breaking eighth world title to his collection, he will be hoping that Ferrari can provide him with the tools to challenge for race wins and championships once again. With a competitive car and a renewed sense of purpose, Hamilton’s 2025 season at Ferrari could be one of the most exciting chapters in his illustrious career.