Lewis Hamilton, the most decorated driver in Formula 1 history, finds himself in a slump as his tenure with Mercedes winds down. The seven-time world champion’s recent performance in a rain-soaked Brazil Grand Prix fell below his usual standard, with Hamilton finishing outside the points in 11th place. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen showcased his dominance, winning from 17th on the grid, highlighting the contrasting fortunes of the two drivers.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari next season on a £50 million contract is expected to be a fresh start for the 39-year-old, yet his recent behavior has stirred concern. Sources within Ferrari were reportedly “surprised” by his frustration-fueled comments, raising doubts about his readiness for this new chapter.
Hamilton’s Frustration with Mercedes
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner recently commented on Hamilton’s evident frustration, suggesting that the driver has effectively “downed tools” at Mercedes. According to Steiner, Hamilton’s pessimism contrasts with his teammate George Russell, who sees the remaining races as an opportunity to prove his future potential within Mercedes.
“The car [W15] is what it is,” Steiner explained. “Knowing he’s leaving, Lewis finds it easier to complain. But George is still invested in maximizing his performance.”
A “Disaster of a Weekend” in Brazil
Hamilton’s comments during the Brazil Grand Prix underscored his disappointment with the Mercedes car. During the race, Hamilton went so far as to call his car “the worst it has ever been”, and the frustration led him to hint at an early exit from the season. “That was a disaster of a weekend, guys,” Hamilton admitted on team radio. “That’s the worst the car has ever been.”
Struggling with severe handling issues on the challenging Interlagos circuit, Hamilton failed to make it past Q1 in qualifying and finished far behind Russell, who managed to secure fourth place.
Hamilton’s Criticism of the W15 Car
Hamilton didn’t hold back after the race, expressing frustration with the Mercedes W15’s handling: “It’s like a plank of wood with no suspension. It’s bouncing on the tires everywhere.” The car’s stiff ride has particularly impacted Hamilton’s confidence, especially as he navigates through corners, where he described the experience as “just the worst ride we’ve ever had.”
Despite his frustrations, Hamilton thanked his team for their continued efforts and hinted at an early end to his season: “If this is the last time I get to perform, it’s a shame it wasn’t great, but I’m grateful for you.”
A Glimmer of Hope at Ferrari?
As Hamilton heads to Ferrari, he’ll be looking to secure the elusive eighth world title to surpass Michael Schumacher. Yet, recent comments from former team bosses suggest Hamilton will need to bring a positive mindset to Scuderia Ferrari to achieve his goals. The move could mark a new beginning or present similar challenges if Ferrari’s car development fails to meet his standards.
Can Hamilton Turn It Around?
The racing world is abuzz with speculation on Hamilton’s potential at Ferrari and whether he can achieve the milestone of eight world titles. However, with his current mindset at Mercedes, many wonder if the challenges ahead will fuel his drive or further deepen his frustrations.
As the season draws to a close, Hamilton’s Ferrari journey presents both promise and uncertainty. For now, fans and F1 insiders alike are left questioning whether Hamilton can channel his passion and skill to conquer new challenges—or if his Ferrari chapter may also become a source of frustration.
