Hamilton Hints at F1 Break After Disastrous Brazilian GP as

Hamilton Hints at F1 Break After Disastrous Brazilian GP as FIA Confirms Mercedes Penalty……read more

Lewis Hamilton has suggested that he may take a break from Formula 1 following a challenging and frustrating performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he struggled with a poorly handling car and was caught in an FIA investigation alongside Mercedes. Hamilton’s difficult race in Brazil has fueled speculation about his future in the sport, especially as he approaches the final stages of his career at Mercedes.

The seven-time world champion, who has been with Mercedes since 2013, is set to make a high-profile move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. However, the closing years of his tenure at Mercedes have been marred by performance issues, with the car failing to deliver the speed and consistency that had previously brought Hamilton so much success. This has left him frustrated, particularly in races like the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he struggled to even secure points despite finishing in the lower positions.

Hamilton’s race in Brazil was an example of the many difficulties he and Mercedes have faced throughout the season. He failed to progress into the top ten in qualifying, missing out on a place in Q3, and during the race, he fought hard just to finish in a points-scoring position. The car’s handling was a major issue, with Hamilton describing it as “a plank of wood” with no suspension, bouncing around on the tires and making it impossible for him to find any rhythm on track. He said that he was unable to push the car to its limit because it was so difficult to control, especially through corners where the stiffness of the car left him with little grip.

Reflecting on the performance, Hamilton did not hold back in his criticism of the car’s performance. He explained to Sky Sports after the race, “We were just slow. It was really, really tough.” Despite the team’s struggles, Hamilton expressed gratitude for the effort of his team, both at the track and back at the factory, stating that they had worked tirelessly to improve the car, even if the results were not forthcoming. “I wanted to say a big thank you to the guys in the garage because they turned up super early this morning, still did a great job throughout the weekend, and everyone back at the factory,” he said.

In the face of such frustrations, Hamilton hinted at the idea of taking a break from the sport, reflecting on how tough the season had been. When asked about his feelings after the race, Hamilton admitted that he felt worn out, noting, “I could happily go and take a holiday,” signaling that the mental and physical toll of the season was becoming increasingly difficult to bear. The Brazilian GP, with its bumpy track and difficult conditions, had exacerbated the car’s problems, and Hamilton was left to lament the lack of performance in the Mercedes package.

The 2024 season has been a tough one for Hamilton and Mercedes, with only two race victories – at Silverstone and Spa – to show for their efforts. These victories, while significant, have been the exception rather than the rule, and the team has struggled to match the pace of rivals like Red Bull and Ferrari. Hamilton’s comments suggest that he is growing increasingly weary of the season’s struggles, and the Brazilian GP appeared to be a breaking point for the 39-year-old driver.

However, there is also a sense of resilience in Hamilton’s words. Despite his frustrations with the car, he continued to thank the team for their efforts and remained hopeful for the remaining races of the season. “Hopefully we won’t have any more bumpy tracks,” he said, looking ahead to the final races, where he hopes the conditions will improve, allowing him to extract better performance from the car.

Hamilton’s comments about taking a break come at a time when the FIA has confirmed that Mercedes will face a penalty due to a breach of regulations during the Brazilian GP. While the specifics of the penalty were not immediately clear, it adds another layer of frustration to an already difficult weekend for the team.

As Hamilton prepares for his move to Ferrari in 2025, it seems that the final chapters of his long and illustrious career with Mercedes may be marked by more challenges than triumphs. The Brazilian GP was just the latest chapter in a season full of difficulties, and Hamilton’s hint at a potential break from F1 suggests that he may be considering a change of pace as he nears the end of his time in the sport. Fans of the seven-time world champion will be watching closely to see how the rest of the season unfolds for Hamilton and Mercedes, as they aim to end their partnership on a high note despite the challenges they face.