Just now:Hamilton Mercedes plans RUINED as Las Vegas investigation yields SHOCK…Read more

Hamilton Mercedes plans RUINED as Las Vegas investigation yields SHOCK result…Read more

Lewis Hamilton’s tenure with Mercedes is nearing its end, and the final chapter of his storied career with the team is facing an unexpected setback. As the seven-time world champion heads into the last three races of the 2024 Formula 1 season, hopes for a fairy-tale conclusion to his time with Mercedes have been dampened by the team’s decision to shift focus in its strategy. The move is seen as a blow to Hamilton’s ambitions, as it could limit his chances of securing a strong result to close out his time with the team before his anticipated switch to Ferrari in 2025.

Hamilton, who has been the face of Mercedes for nearly a decade, has enjoyed unparalleled success during the hybrid era of Formula 1. The team’s dominance, led by Hamilton, produced multiple world championships, solidifying their position as one of the most successful driver-team partnerships in the sport’s history. However, 2024 has not been the smooth ride Hamilton may have hoped for. While he has managed to claim two wins—at Silverstone and Spa—his W15 car has often proven difficult to manage, leaving him frustrated and struggling to extract the same level of performance he enjoyed in previous years. Despite the challenges, Hamilton has continued to show resilience, maintaining his competitive spirit and determination to finish his career at Mercedes on a high.

However, Mercedes’ recent decision to adjust its priorities for the remainder of the season is likely to undermine Hamilton’s chances of achieving that goal. According to Andrew Shovlin, the team’s trackside engineering director, Mercedes will no longer be focusing on pushing for podiums or victories in the final races. Instead, the team’s efforts will shift toward gathering data and refining the car’s development for the 2025 season. This change in direction comes as a result of the team’s current position in the championship, where they have little chance of closing the gap to the leaders and are not at risk of losing ground to those behind them. With little to gain in the standings, Mercedes has decided that their best use of the remaining races is to gather valuable information for next year’s car.

Shovlin’s comments following the Brazilian Grand Prix shed light on the decision. Despite Hamilton’s two victories this season, the performance of the W15 car has been inconsistent, particularly in slower corners and in areas where the car has struggled to maintain stability. These issues have been a recurring theme throughout the season, and they were again evident at the Brazilian Grand Prix, especially in the second sector at Interlagos, which features a series of challenging, slow corners. Shovlin explained that while the team’s focus on the upcoming races had initially been on securing strong results, it became clear that there was little to be gained from pursuing that route. “We are in a position in the championship where we cannot challenge in front of us, and it is very unlikely we are going to see any challenge from behind,” Shovlin said. “Our focus has very much shifted to learning what we need this year to apply to next year.”

For Hamilton, this strategy shift likely signals the end of his hopes for a podium finish or victory in the remaining races at Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. With the team now prioritizing the development of the 2025 car, the emphasis will be on long-term gains rather than short-term results. This means that the remaining races will be more about collecting data and fine-tuning the car for next season, leaving little room for Hamilton to end his Mercedes career on a high note.

While this change in focus may feel like a disappointment for Hamilton, it is also a reflection of his loyalty to the team. Despite the challenges of the 2024 season, Hamilton has remained committed to Mercedes and has not allowed speculation about his future to distract him from his responsibilities. Even as rumors swirl about his switch to Ferrari, Hamilton has consistently expressed his dedication to delivering his best in each race. His frustrations with the W15’s performance are clear, but his drive and professionalism