Mercedes to blame for BRUTAL Hamilton treatment......

Mercedes to blame for BRUTAL Hamilton treatment……read more

Recently, there has been growing debate about Lewis Hamilton’s current form in Formula 1, with some critics suggesting that the seven-time world champion is “past his prime.” This perception has been fueled by his struggles in recent races, where he has found it difficult to crack the top ten. Hamilton’s most recent outings have been disappointing: he crashed out early in the US Grand Prix and finished in 10th place in Brazil, a race he described as a “disaster” and the “worst the car has ever been.” This performance, in particular, has led to increased scrutiny of Hamilton’s abilities.

Despite the clear challenges facing Hamilton, the narrative that he is no longer at his best is further compounded by the fact that his teammate, George Russell, has occasionally outperformed him. Russell has shown stronger qualifying results and more consistent finishes in a car that has struggled to match the performance of previous seasons. Some have pointed to Russell’s success as evidence that Hamilton, who once dominated the sport, is past his peak.

However, this assessment ignores the broader context of Hamilton’s and Russell’s performances. Russell joined Mercedes in 2022, just after a significant overhaul of the F1 technical regulations. These changes, which had a profound effect on car performance across the grid, left Mercedes in a period of adjustment. Russell’s experience, therefore, has been in a car that has struggled to match its previous dominance. Having come from a Williams team that was consistently at the back of the grid, even a sub-par Mercedes car represented a substantial improvement for him.

Hamilton, on the other hand, is now in his third decade of F1 racing. He is driving a Mercedes that is far from the machine that helped him win six world titles. The car has seen a significant drop in performance since its heyday, and as Hamilton approaches the end of his career, he faces a team that is not as competitive as it once was. It’s important to remember that while Russell is Mercedes’ future, Hamilton’s focus is more uncertain, particularly as he prepares to leave the team. His reduced commitment, in contrast to the full dedication that a younger driver like Russell may bring, could explain some of the struggles he’s faced.

Adding to the complexity of Hamilton’s situation is the speculation surrounding his potential move to Ferrari. If Ferrari continues on its upward trajectory, the team could become a serious title contender by 2025, which would make them direct rivals to Mercedes. Hamilton’s possible switch to Ferrari could be a way for him to reignite his passion for racing and find new motivation in a competitive environment. If this move happens, Hamilton would be entering a team that could provide him with a car capable of fighting for podiums and wins once again, potentially restoring his competitive edge.

The dynamics at Mercedes, where Hamilton’s future is uncertain, also have an impact on his performance. There is a possibility that the team is withholding critical data from Hamilton, knowing that he will not be with them for much longer. This lack of access to important information could affect his ability to fully extract the potential from the car, especially in comparison to his teammate, who is more invested in the team’s future. Moreover, Hamilton’s focus and motivation might be elsewhere, as he has already decided to leave Mercedes at the end of the season, which may be influencing his performances on track.

Despite the decline of Mercedes’ performance and the increased pressure on Hamilton, it’s crucial not to overlook the immense skill and experience he still brings to the table. While he may not be in his prime, Hamilton remains one of the most talented drivers in F1, and his wealth of experience sets him apart from many of his competitors. The current struggles of the Mercedes team may be masking his true abilities, but once Hamilton is in a more competitive car, such as a potential Ferrari, the narrative around his career could shift dramatically.

Critics who are quick to write off Hamilton forget that his career has been defined by overcoming challenges and excelling under pressure. His performance at Silverstone, where he fought for a podium finish despite the car’s limitations, is just one example of his enduring talent. In fact, while Mercedes’ struggles have exposed some of Hamilton’s weaknesses, they have also highlighted how much of an impact a car’s performance can have on a driver’s results. If Hamilton is given a car capable of competing for victories again, his critics may find that their arguments no longer hold as much weight.

In conclusion, while it is clear that Hamilton is no longer at the peak of his powers, it is far too early to write him off as past his best. The current state of Mercedes, combined with his uncertain future with the team, is contributing to the perception that Hamilton’s time at the top is over. However, when placed in a more competitive environment, such as a Ferrari that could challenge for wins, Hamilton’s abilities could once again shine, proving that, despite the passing of years, his talent and experience still make him a formidable force in Formula 1.