Last Updated on November 25 2024, 7:53 am
Speculation about team orders: Unpacking the Mercedes pit radio dram as a clash of strategy and speed at the Las Vegas Grand Prix unfolds – The Las Vegas Grand Prix provided a spectacle to remember, with Mercedes at the heart of the action. Lewis Hamilton, starting from a lowly 10th position, looked on course for a dramatic victory.
But in the end it was George Russell who took the win. The race sparked intense speculation about team orders and fuelled debate about what happened on the Mercedes pit radio during those tense final laps.
Hamilton’s incredible pace and Russell’s defensive driving created a narrative of internal competition that epitomised the fine line between teamwork and individual ambition in Formula One.
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The race began with Hamilton facing an uphill battle from 10th on the grid. However, his relentless pace saw him systematically close the gap at the front, demonstrating the class of the seven-time world champion.
By the time Russell made his final pit stop on lap 32, Hamilton had begun to close a 13.1-second gap.
Hamilton’s tyres, five laps older than Russell’s, were far from ideal for a late charge. Nevertheless, he managed to reduce the gap to just 5.3 seconds by lap 42, turning what looked like a comfortable victory for Russell into a nail-biting contest. The prospect of Mercedes securing their first one-two finish since the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix hung in the balance.
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Team orders: What did Mercedes decide?
Given the stakes, many expected Mercedes to issue a team order instructing both drivers to hold their positions. But that order never came. Team Principal Toto Wolff later revealed that the possibility of such an order had not been seriously considered.
Asked after the race by ORF interviewer Alexander Wurz if Mercedes would have allowed Hamilton and Russell to race freely, Wolff replied without hesitation: “Yes, of course! I think they would have been smart enough not to crash into each other.”
Wolff dismissed the idea that Hamilton had a realistic chance of overtaking Russell, saying, “George did it all the time. I think he was twelve seconds ahead before Lewis changed. That was never an issue.”
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Dissecting pit radio communications
While Wolff played down the intensity of the situation, pit radio told a different story. Shortly after Russell’s final pit stop, Hamilton asked for lap times. His race engineer, Peter Bonnington, provided the data and mentioned that Russell was “carefully running in the tyres” with a high lap time of 1:37.
Moments later, Russell was informed that Hamilton was lapping significantly faster at 1:36.4. The gap was rapidly closing and Russell’s cautious approach to tyre management was becoming a concern. A nervous Russell finally asked for guidance, saying: “Tell me what to do. I’m still managing in these corners.”
The response from the Mercedes pit wall was clear: “We’re fine if you stop managing the tyres. This instruction effectively gave Russell the green light to push harder, recognising the threat posed by Hamilton’s charge.”
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Hamilton’s relentless push
Sensing an opportunity to steal victory, Hamilton continued to push despite his older tyres. Bonnington’s calls for him to slow down were unlikely to have any effect on the determined and Ferrari bound British driver, especially with the allure of adding a Las Vegas triumph to his illustrious career.
Russell was briefed on Hamilton’s blistering pace, with one message standing out: “Lewis’ last lap was 35.9. We should do at least 36.2 to keep it boring. The cryptic instruction underlined Mercedes’ desire to avoid a dramatic on-track battle between their drivers.”
Things came to a head with four laps to go when Hamilton reported a possible problem with his right front tyre. This apparent problem took the pressure off Russell and allowed him to cruise to victory.
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Russell’s race: defence and strategy
For Russell, the race was defined by his ability to defend against Charles Leclerc at the start and manage his tyres effectively. His crucial defence on lap four prevented Leclerc from taking the lead and set the stage for Russell to dictate the pace of the race. By the time the Ferraris pitted, Russell had built up a commanding lead of 9.1 seconds.
“We won the race in the first stint. It was really outstanding,” said Russell.
“From then on I knew the only way I could lose the win was if the tyres started to go. It was really all about managing the speed in the corners and bringing it home.”
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Why were Mercedes so competitive in Las Vegas?
Mercedes’ dominance in Las Vegas surprised many, with the team consistently outperforming its rivals throughout the weekend. Wolff attributed the performance to the cold conditions, which played to the strengths of the Mercedes W14.
“There is a correlation. Silverstone was good, then Spa and now Vegas. And it was cold everywhere,” explained Wolff. The team’s ability to get its tyres into the optimum operating window gave it a decisive advantage.
In addition, the smooth, flat asphalt of the Las Vegas circuit allowed Mercedes to run a stiffer set-up, minimising the ‘bounce’ issues that plagued the car on more undulating tracks. “On flat asphalt we can fly,” said Russell.
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Looking ahead: Lessons from 2024
Despite the double podium in Las Vegas, Mercedes faces significant challenges ahead in 2025. The team’s struggles on bumpy tracks and in warmer conditions highlight the need for greater adaptability in its car set-up.
“We need to find a better balance next year,” admitted Wolff.
“Other teams, like McLaren at Silverstone, have shown they can dominate in certain conditions. We need to achieve that consistency.”
A team balancing act
The Las Vegas Grand Prix epitomised the fine line between individual ambition and team objectives in F1. Hamilton’s relentless pursuit of victory and Russell’s calm management created a compelling intra-team battle. While Mercedes navigated the situation without issuing explicit team orders, the drama on the pit radio highlighted the challenges of managing two fiercely competitive drivers.
For Mercedes, gaining a win with their team leader, George Russell, was a priority over an ageing and outgoing Lewis Hamilton winning the Las Vegas GP.
As Mercedes reflect on their triumph under the neon lights of Vegas, the focus now shifts to addressing their weaknesses and returning to consistent dominance in 2024. The race may be over, but the lessons learned will shape the team’s strategy for seasons to come.
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The Formula One veteran, known for his sharp criticism and relentless focus, looked unusually at ease after a stellar day of practice ahead of the weekend’s race. For the first time in a tumultuous season, Hamilton enjoyed a day when everything seemed to click.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
There is no need to keep making up stories in F1. The truth is already worthy of movie status. George was never in serious threat from Lewis and the two sides of the garage have the interest of drivers first then team after.. mercedes did not sabotage Lewis.