Shocking: Angry Hamilton and Mercedes exchange leads to SHOCK early DRAMATIC…Read more
Angry Hamilton and Mercedes exchange leads to SHOCK early exit
Lewis Hamilton’s tenure at Mercedes appears to be nearing its end as he prepares to join Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The seven-time world champion’s final year with Mercedes has been challenging, with just two victories and no realistic shot at another title.
Despite a stellar drive to finish second at the Las Vegas Grand Prix after starting 10th, tensions remain high within the team.
Hamilton’s career at Mercedes has seen its share of triumphs and heartbreak, with many fans still lamenting his controversial 2021 title loss to Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi.
However, another painful chapter in Hamilton’s career also unfolded at Yas Marina Circuit in 2016, during a fierce championship battle with his then-teammate Nico Rosberg.
Going into the season finale, Rosberg led the championship standings and only needed a third-place finish to clinch his first title.
Hamilton, knowing he had to win and hope for Rosberg to finish lower than third, faced an uphill battle.
During the race, Hamilton initially surged ahead, building a comfortable lead.
However, he later slowed his pace deliberately, hoping to back Rosberg into the clutches of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who were closing in behind.
If both drivers passed Rosberg, Hamilton’s championship hopes could be salvaged.
Rosberg, cautious not to jeopardize his title bid, refrained from challenging Hamilton directly.
Instead, he radioed Mercedes to complain about the slow pace and suggested they invert the cars.
This unusual request highlighted the tension between the two drivers and the stakes of the championship battle.
Mercedes’ pit wall, keen to secure a one-two finish and avoid on-track chaos, ordered Hamilton to increase his pace.
Technical chief Paddy Lowe issued a direct instruction, emphasizing the need to maintain the team’s race dominance. Hamilton, however, refused to comply, prioritizing his title hopes over team orders.
In response to Lowe’s demand, Hamilton retorted that he was comfortable leading the race and justified his actions by stating, “I’m losing the world championship, so I’m really not bothered if I win or lose this race.”
Despite his strategic efforts, Hamilton crossed the finish line first, with Rosberg taking second place and securing the championship.
The victory marked the culmination of a bitter and contentious rivalry between the two teammates, who had clashed repeatedly during their three years as championship contenders.
After the race, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff acknowledged Hamilton’s defiance, suggesting it set a precedent that would need addressing. However, Wolff later softened his stance.
The dramatic 2016 finale underscored the intensity of Hamilton and Rosberg’s rivalry, highlighting one of the most memorable title battles in Formula 1 history.
Now, as Hamilton prepares to leave Mercedes, the echoes of past battles continue to resonate, reminding fans of the high-stakes drama that has defined his storied career.
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