In an unexpected turn of events at the São Paulo Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton’s usually triumphant performance at Interlagos—where he has previously excelled—took a nosedive. Throughout a challenging weekend, Hamilton voiced his discontent with the Mercedes W5, calling it the “worst” car he’s ever driven, a sentiment that echoed on the track and in the pits. Finishing 10th, Hamilton managed to salvage only a single point, while his teammate George Russell achieved a notable fourth place, exposing a wide performance gap between the two cars that Mercedes will undoubtedly review in the coming weeks.

Hamilton’s woes began on Friday during FP1, where he reported back pain due to aggressive bouncing from the W5’s setup. This discomfort set the stage for a less-than-optimal performance throughout the weekend, with Hamilton qualifying poorly and ultimately finding himself stuck in the lower ranks. Despite his struggles, Hamilton’s message to the team remained one of gratitude, appreciating the hard work of the engineers who, despite their efforts, could not get the car up to par with competitors on the grueling, bumpy Interlagos circuit.

The primary issue, Hamilton explained, was the car’s lack of suspension, leading to a drive he likened to navigating a “plank of wood.” This severely limited his ability to accelerate out of turns, putting him at a disadvantage and contributing to the minimal traction that marred his race. The “worst ride” he’s experienced, as Hamilton described, highlighted a growing concern within Mercedes: the need for an adaptable setup that can handle the intense dynamics of different tracks. Mercedes engineers will now be under immense pressure to resolve these handling issues, especially with only three races remaining in the season.

Russell’s fourth-place finish highlighted a contrasting performance within the team, prompting speculation on what factors could have caused Hamilton’s performance disparity. Russell managed to navigate qualifying well and enjoyed a smoother race experience, underscoring the inconsistencies that continue to trouble the Mercedes team this season.

Hamilton’s frustration went beyond just the W5’s handling. He voiced concerns about accountability within the team, remarking that the weekend’s performance was “unacceptable” and calling for introspection as Mercedes looks to finish the season on a stronger note. His reflections also looked ahead to the remaining races, where he hoped for improved car stability and a competitive finish, keenly aware that his standings had dipped with Russell overtaking him in the driver’s standings. For a seven-time world champion, Hamilton’s stoicism amid such setbacks is admirable, but the mounting frustrations are palpable as he wrestles with a car he described as “undrivable.”

In addition to Hamilton’s personal challenges, Mercedes faced regulatory scrutiny after being fined by the FIA for tire pressure violations. The team was found to have adjusted tire pressures on the grid in a manner that contravened FIA guidelines, an infraction that typically would warrant a disqualification. However, given the chaotic start procedure involving multiple cars, the stewards opted for a financial penalty of $10,000 instead, providing Mercedes with a temporary reprieve but leaving a mark on an already disappointing weekend.

This chaotic weekend comes at a critical time for Hamilton, who has openly expressed his desire to finish his last season with Mercedes on a high note before transitioning to Ferrari next year. While his summer successes seem a distant memory, Hamilton’s competitive spirit remains unbroken, urging his team to address the W5’s issues and offer a car that can contend in the final three races. For the moment, however, Hamilton’s hopes for an “acceptable” performance will rest on the garage and engineers finding solutions for what has been an inconsistent and challenging season for Mercedes.

The W5’s limitations have not only affected Hamilton’s performance but have raised questions about Mercedes’ ability to adapt to the season’s shifting dynamics. As the team looks to cement its place in the Constructors’ Championship standings, the pressure is on to ensure Hamilton and Russell can both finish the season strongly, especially with competitive midfield teams eager to seize any opportunity.

For Hamilton, the enduring legacy of his Mercedes tenure may hinge on these last races, where he aims to defy the challenges posed by the W5 and bid farewell to the team with a final show of brilliance. However, as he battles both the competition and the shortcomings of his car, the only certainty is his determination to finish this season with grace, resolve, and, hopefully, a few more points.