Mercedes' Decline to Blame for Hamilton's Struggl

Mercedes’ Decline to Blame for Hamilton’s Struggles, Not the Driver Him……..read more

Recent debates surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s performances in Formula 1 have led some to claim that the legendary driver is “past his prime.” It’s not difficult to see why such conclusions are being drawn, with the once-dominant Mercedes star failing to secure top-ten finishes in several recent races. Hamilton’s 2024 season has been a sharp contrast to his past success, and his growing deficit to teammate George Russell has sparked critics to place the blame on Hamilton, rather than the car or team.

After the Brazilian Grand Prix, public figures like Jeremy Clarkson and Bernie Ecclestone voiced their harsh criticism of Hamilton’s performance, suggesting that the seven-time world champion was in decline. However, these opinions seem short-sighted, especially when considering that Ferrari has already signed Hamilton for 2025 and beyond. This brings us to a key point: Hamilton’s struggles in 2024 can largely be attributed to Mercedes’ decline, not the driver himself.

The Role of George Russell

While Hamilton’s results have been disappointing in recent races, it’s worth acknowledging the performance of his teammate, George Russell. In the 2024 season, Russell has been able to outperform Hamilton on several occasions, which has led to a narrative that the seven-time champion is no longer at his best. Russell even managed to beat Hamilton in qualifying at times, fuelling claims of Hamilton’s decline.

However, it’s important to understand the context of Russell’s success. Russell joined Mercedes in 2022, following the introduction of new technical regulations that significantly impacted the performance of the team. This means that Russell has only known a Mercedes car that is no longer the dominant force it once was. Coming from a Williams team that struggled to even score points, Russell is simply more accustomed to working with a less competitive car, and any improvement would have been a step up from his previous experience.

On the other hand, Hamilton is now in his third decade of Formula 1 and is driving a Mercedes that has lost much of the edge that made it the dominant force in the sport. Russell may be outperforming Hamilton, but he is also more invested in the long-term future of Mercedes, while Hamilton’s focus is naturally shifting given his decision to leave the team at the end of the year. The contrast in motivation levels between the two drivers could also explain the disparity in their performances.

The Impact of Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari

One significant factor that has likely affected Hamilton’s motivation and performance is his decision to join Ferrari for the 2025 season. While Mercedes is still a competitive team, it is clear that Ferrari is on the rise, and by the time Hamilton switches teams, they could be in a position to challenge for race wins and even the championship. In this context, Mercedes may be reluctant to provide Hamilton with key data or insights about their car, especially since he is leaving for a rival team. This potential withholding of information could further hinder Hamilton’s ability to extract maximum performance from his current car.

Hamilton’s commitment to Mercedes is also likely not at the same level as it was in previous seasons. Having already made the decision to move to Ferrari, his focus is divided, and it’s natural for his motivation to have waned somewhat. In contrast, a fresh start at Ferrari could rekindle his competitive fire, giving him the chance to rediscover the passion and drive that once made him one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history.

Hamilton Still Has What It Takes

It’s undeniable that Hamilton is not the same driver he was when he dominated the sport with Mercedes, but those who are quick to write him off are forgetting a key point: despite not being in his prime, Hamilton still possesses more experience, skill, and talent than most drivers on the grid. Mercedes’ current struggles have made it easier for critics to overlook Hamilton’s continued ability, but his talent is still evident. A prime example of this came at Silverstone, where Hamilton showcased his skill and determination, defying expectations despite the challenges he faces with his car.

Ultimately, Mercedes’ performance decline has put Hamilton in a difficult position, and it’s important to recognize that his struggles in 2024 are more a reflection of his team’s struggles than a decline in his own abilities. Once Hamilton joins Ferrari, where he’ll likely have access to better equipment and the motivation to succeed, the critics who have rushed to dismiss him may find themselves on shakier ground. While Hamilton may not be at the peak of his career, he still has the potential to deliver championship-winning performances with the right team and the right circumstances.