Last Updated on November 9 2024, 9:13 pm

Record holding world champion does not hold back with criticism as Steiner opens up on Hamilton’s open frustration with Mercedes – Lewis Hamilton’s comments during and after the Brazilian Grand Prix revealed the tensions brewing at Mercedes as the seven-time world champion was highly critical of his car’s performance.

Hamilton’s openly harsh assessment of his Mercedes car has raised questions about what could be driving his unusually outspoken comments. Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner believes he has a theory as to what might be motivating Hamilton’s outbursts.

 

 

 

The car is not drivable: Hamilton’s frustration boils over

During the Brazilian Grand Prix, Hamilton made no secret of his dissatisfaction with the car’s performance, describing it as virtually “undrivable”.

His comments on the team radio during the race reflected his frustration at Mercedes’ struggles, with problems ranging from inconsistent braking to a bumpy ride that made the car a challenge to handle.

“The car is undrivable, mate. Braking errors and bouncing all over the place,” Hamilton complained on the radio. After finishing tenth in a race that gave him little satisfaction, Hamilton doubled down in his post-race debrief, describing the entire weekend as “terrible”. He insisted that every part of the race weekend, from qualifying to the sprint, had been “bad”.

While Hamilton is known to express his frustration when things are not going well, the level of bluntness in his latest comments has surprised some. Observers have noted that such pointed criticism is unusual for the British driver, who usually prefers to keep any major grievances with his team behind closed doors.

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Guenther Steiner weighs in: “It’s easier for Lewis to complain now”

Guenther Steiner, now a Formula One pundit for RTL, believes there may be a reason for Hamilton’s outspokenness. Speaking on the ‘Red Flag Podcast’, Steiner suggested that Hamilton’s open criticism is a reflection of his imminent departure from Mercedes.

“The car is what it is. It’s not the best car, but on a good day it’s the fourth best car at the moment,” Steiner explained, adding, “I think it’s a lot easier for Lewis to complain now because he knows he’s leaving the team anyway.”

Steiner’s insights come as speculation over Hamilton’s future continues to grow, with rumours of a move to Ferrari in 2025 becoming increasingly common.

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Hamilton’s move to Ferrari: a change of perspective?

The long-awaited move to Ferrari may also have played a part in Hamilton’s recent willingness to air his grievances with Mercedes. According to Steiner, Hamilton’s colleague George Russell approaches the car’s problems from a different perspective, one that reflects his long-term investment in Mercedes.

“George has a great interest in doing everything he can to show that he is the leader of the team for the future,” said Steiner, highlighting the contrast between Hamilton’s and Russell’s approaches. Russell, who finished fourth in Brazil, appears to have positioned himself as a leader in the team, a role that Hamilton, who is on the verge of joining Ferrari, may not be as invested in.

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Russell’s determination to secure his place at Mercedes

Steiner elaborated on Russell’s commitment, noting that he faces his own pressures as a Mercedes driver.

“Russell has to prove himself because he knows his place isn’t 100 per cent secure when his Mercedes contract expires, so he’s just trying to do his best,” Steiner continued.

With Hamilton reportedly on his way out, Russell has the opportunity to cement his role within Mercedes. The 25-year-old’s results this season, including his performance in Brazil, show that he is focused on building a future with the Silver Arrows.

His disciplined approach to racing and willingness to get the best out of a challenging car show his commitment to the long-term success of the team.

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Hamilton’s relationship with the Mercedes car: A final chapter

For Hamilton, however, the frustrations with the car appear to be a temporary inconvenience. Steiner commented on Hamilton’s attitude, suggesting that the seven-time champion has mentally begun the transition away from Mercedes.

“Hamilton doesn’t like the car,” he said. “He knows that after three Grands Prix he won’t be there anymore.”

This growing disinterest may have prompted Hamilton to express his discontent more openly than usual. The Brazilian GP was a moment of despair, with Hamilton declaring that he “couldn’t wait for Christmas”, a comment that hints at his eagerness to leave the 2024 season, and possibly the team, behind.

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Looking ahead: Hamilton’s hopes for a better end to 2024

Hamilton himself expressed hope that the remaining races would be less demanding, although he remains sceptical about Mercedes’ ability to deliver a competitive car for the final races of the season.

“If they can give me a car that doesn’t jump off the track in the next few races, then hopefully we can hope for a better result,” he said.

The words reflect Hamilton’s desire for a more consistent car as he nears the end of his time with Mercedes, although he openly admits his patience is wearing thin. His comment about looking forward to the off-season underlines his weariness with a year in which Mercedes have struggled to match the pace of their rivals.

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The end of an era for Mercedes?

Hamilton’s criticism of his car could be more than just a reflection of Mercedes’ technical problems. It could also symbolise the end of an era. A fixture at Mercedes since 2013, Hamilton has led the team to multiple world titles and become a global icon in the sport. But as he prepares to leave, his relationship with the team appears to have reached a turning point.

Steiner’s comments provide an interesting perspective on the dynamics within Mercedes, suggesting that Hamilton’s outspoken approach may be a by-product of his impending departure. For Russell, the challenge will now be to fill Hamilton’s shoes and take on the mantle of leadership within the team, a responsibility he seems eager to embrace.

As the season draws to a close, fans and analysts alike will be watching Hamilton’s final races with Mercedes closely. His comments suggest a willingness to move on, but also highlight the frustration that has built up over a challenging season. Hamilton’s time with Mercedes may be coming to an end, but his legacy with the Silver Arrows – and his ongoing search for a competitive car – remains a focal point in the ever-changing landscape of Formula One.

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Ferrari president “regrets” Lewis Hamilton decision

Lewis Hamilton is statistically the best F1 driver of all time when it comes to qualifying. His 104 pole positions tower above even the greatest of drivers with Michael Schumacher (68), Ayrton Senna (65), Sebastian Vettel (57) and Max Verstappen (40).

Yet since the introduction of the new ground effect cars in 2022, the seven times world champion has appeared a shadow of his former self. Having lost his lead over George Russell in Brazil, Hamilton is now seventh in the drivers’ title race with only Sergio Perez below him from the top four teams.

Russell has also conquered Hamilton twenty times this year in the various forms of qualifying and should he retain the lead over his team mate, the young driver from Kings Lynn with have been the first to better Hamilton over a three year period…READ MORE ON THIS STORY