The 2024 Formula One season has proved to be a challenging one for Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion who once reigned supreme in the sport. However, this season has seen him fall far short of his own lofty expectations, largely due to the inability of the Mercedes car to compete at the top.
Hamilton’s struggles have been compounded by the rise of his younger team-mate, George Russell, who has not only matched but often surpassed the seasoned veteran. This shift in the dynamic within the team has caused tension, with many speculating about possible fallout behind the scenes.
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Bad atmosphere at Mercedes
According to a recent report in Sport Bild, the atmosphere within the Mercedes camp is becoming increasingly tense. The publication highlighted Hamilton’s critical comments about the team’s management following a disappointing qualifying session in Monaco.
The British racing star openly expressed his frustration, saying: “I didn’t expect to finish ahead of George Russell this year.”
The statement is seen as a direct jab at the team’s current strategy and priorities, particularly in light of Hamilton’s imminent move to Ferrari.
Yet Hamilton allowed Russell to use the team’s updated front wing which would’ve had a contributing factor to being slower than his team mate but despite this, Hamilton’s performance in qualifying has been sub-par throughout the year. He has finished behind Russell in seven out of eight attempts this season.
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Chadick provides insight
Jamie Chadwick, the Andretti Indy NXT driver, shared her observations on Channel 4 during the Monaco weekend coverage on TV, noting that Hamilton seemed visibly unhappy during the Monaco weekend. She suggested that Hamilton might be “spinning” his story to highlight his lack of access to the upgraded equipment.
“He didn’t look happy,” Chadwick said. “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.”
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Focus on the future: George Russell
Chadwick went on to outline the long-term strategy that Mercedes may be pursuing, suggesting that Russell is seen as the future of the team.
“Obviously he’s on his way out. George is staying in that seat for what they hope will be a long time. They need to keep George happy and that might be because Lewis is not happy. He’s doing an incredible job. He’s crushing [Hamilton],” she added.
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A Shift in Hamilton’s Demeanour
Diego Mejia, a journalist for Fox Mexico, has noticed a noticeable change in Hamilton’s demeanour this season. Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Mejia highlighted that despite Hamilton’s lack of wins, podiums and pole positions, he has maintained a relatively positive outlook but warns that Mercedes ‘keep George Russell happy’.
“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.
Mejia also speculated on Hamilton’s future, particularly in light of his move to Ferrari.
“Ever since he was announced as a Ferrari driver, we knew that at some point in the year he wouldn’t be in all the meetings with all the information. The normal process that a driver going to a rival team goes through.
“But Lewis’ message is that it is coming earlier. That’s what it looks like from the outside.”
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Hamilton’s move to Ferrari: a new chapter begins
The backdrop to this growing tension is Hamilton’s much-anticipated move to Ferrari in 2025. The move marks a significant shift in the racing landscape, as Hamilton leaves behind a team with which he has enjoyed unprecedented success. The move to Ferrari is expected to reinvigorate the legendary Scuderia, which has struggled to regain its former glory in recent years. Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari has been interpreted by many as a bold attempt to add another layer to his already illustrious career.
Hamilton’s move also underlines his dissatisfaction with Mercedes’ current trajectory. Despite being a formidable force in the past, the team’s recent performances have been underwhelming.
Their latest car, the W15, has failed to match the pace set by rivals such as Red Bull and Ferrari, leaving Hamilton with fewer opportunities to secure victories.
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Within Mercedes, the leadership, including team principal Toto Wolff, had anticipated Hamilton’s discontent. According to Sport Bild, the team’s hierarchy braced themselves for potential friction back in February, recognising that the W15’s performance issues could cause dissatisfaction among their drivers.
Despite these internal tensions, Mercedes are keen to avoid a public confrontation. The team is aware of the potential damage that a high-profile row could do to their brand, far beyond mere image concerns. Hamilton’s influence and charisma extend beyond the track, making him an invaluable asset to the team’s marketing and PR efforts.
As a result, Toto Wolff has adopted a conciliatory tone in his public statements, seeking 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,” said Wolff, acknowledging Hamilton’s grievances while attempting to defuse the situation.
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Future implications
The unfolding drama at Mercedes raises several critical questions about the future of the team and Hamilton’s legacy. Will the team be able to resolve its internal conflicts and return to its winning ways, or will the departure of its star driver herald a period of decline? And how will Hamilton’s move to Ferrari reshape the competitive dynamics of F1?
As the 2024 season progresses, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how these storylines play out. The potential for public mudslinging looms large, but both Hamilton and Mercedes have much to lose from such an outcome.
The question is, who will start it. Thus far, it appears Hamilton has sent the first salvo at Monaco.
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MORE F1 NEWS: Hamilton’s former trainer is “more than that”
As if the weight of the world was not already weighing on Lewis Hamilton’s shoulders, last year the ex Formula One champ announced he was parting company with his long time trainer a friend, New Zealander Angela Cullen. The split appeared to be rather sudden as Cullen had been attendance for Hamilton at pre-season testing and the opening Grand Prix of the year in Bahrain.
Both claimed the parting of the ways was amicable with Lewis claiming the pair still text each day and that she is “one of my closest friends” and that “I am a stronger athlete and a better person because of her.” The impact of this news was outlined by Hamilton’s former team mate Nico Rosberg, who speaking to Sky F1 claimed…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
Whatever the circumstances being outside the loop at your job affects you mentally. Hamilton is in this situation and needs to find his own solutions to overcome the bias. I’m sure he’s assessing his options even now.