The 2024 Formula One season has been tough for Lewis Hamilton. Despite being a seven-time world champion, Hamilton’s recent performance has not met his own high standards, primarily due to Mercedes’ inability to produce a top-performing car. The situation has been exacerbated by the rise of his younger teammate, George Russell, who has often outperformed him.
The tension within Mercedes has been palpable. According to Sport Bild, Hamilton’s frustration became evident after a disappointing qualifying session in Monaco. He openly criticized the team’s management, a rare move for the veteran driver. ‘I didn’t expect to finish ahead of George Russell this year,’ Hamilton stated, hinting at the team’s shifting focus toward Russell, who has outshone him in seven out of eight races this season.
Jamie Chadwick, an Andretti Indy NXT driver, observed that Hamilton appeared visibly unhappy during the Monaco weekend. Chadwick suggested on Channel 4 that Hamilton might be ‘spinning’ his story to emphasize his lack of upgraded equipment. ‘He didn’t look happy,’ Chadwick noted. ‘But I think he knows what he’s doing. He’s spinning it to make it look like he didn’t get the upgrades this weekend. I think he should take his hat off to George, who is 7-1 against someone like Lewis. Lewis is probably not happy about that, to be honest. And that’s where that comment came from.’
Diego Mejia from Fox Mexico also noticed a change in Hamilton’s demeanor this season. Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Mejia commented that despite the lack of wins, podiums, and pole positions, Hamilton had maintained a relatively positive outlook until Monaco. ‘It’s been a pleasure to talk to Lewis this year. Even though he’s not getting wins, podiums or pole positions, he’s pretty relaxed. Always looking on the bright side. He was in that mood until the weekend [of the Monaco Grand Prix]. He is a little less Zen,’ Mejia observed.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 looms large over this season’s struggles. It’s a significant shift, given his past successes with Mercedes. Many see his transfer as an attempt to revitalize Ferrari, which has struggled in recent years. This move also underscores Hamilton’s dissatisfaction with Mercedes’ direction, as the team’s recent performances have lagged compared to Red Bull and Ferrari.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has tried to smooth things over, recognizing Hamilton’s grievances while attempting to maintain harmony within the team. ‘All drivers are sometimes a little sceptical. I can understand that as a driver you want to get the best out of yourself and the team. And sometimes, when things go against you, you can question certain things,’ Wolff said, aiming to defuse the situation.
Hamilton’s departure raises critical questions about Mercedes’ future. Can the team resolve its internal conflicts and return to its winning ways? How will Hamilton’s move to Ferrari reshape the competitive landscape of F1? As the season progresses, both fans and pundits will be watching closely to see how these storylines unfold.
The drama within Mercedes continues to capture the attention of the F1 world, especially as Hamilton’s move to Ferrari looms. The unfolding events will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of both Hamilton and Mercedes.
