Lewis Hamilton’s Tough Brazilian Grand Prix Sparks Speculation About His Future with Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton’s experience at the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend is being described as one of the most difficult of his career, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a triumphant event in a country that has long celebrated the British driver. In what has become a tough season for Mercedes, Hamilton faced an uphill battle with a car plagued by inconsistency, leading to mounting frustration and even sparking rumors that he might not finish the season with his long-time team.
Entering the weekend, Hamilton held 189 points, sitting ahead of his Mercedes teammate George Russell. However, he found himself well off the pace needed to compete with the top-tier teams. Hopes were high that he could redeem himself in a weekend set to honor his idol, Ayrton Senna, by driving the legendary Brazilian’s 1990 McLaren in a tribute lap. Unfortunately, the tribute was only a brief high point in an otherwise disheartening outing. Problems began with an unexpected elimination in Sprint Qualifying’s SQ2 session, forcing him out of contention for the points. Qualifying for the main Grand Prix was equally disappointing, with Hamilton only managing to secure the 16th spot on the grid.
The British media was quick to critique Hamilton’s struggles, with headlines questioning whether the seven-time world champion has lost his edge and expressing concern over his future prospects. One publication went as far as to wonder whether Hamilton’s form would recover in time to make a difference at Ferrari in 2025. The 39-year-old driver’s performances have fueled speculation that the Brazilian Grand Prix may be among his last outings with Mercedes, especially in light of comments hinting at his frustration. In an uncharacteristically candid moment, Hamilton expressed relief at the idea of the season ending, saying, “That was a disaster of a weekend… If this is the last time I get to perform, it’s a shame.”
Amid these challenges, rumors have emerged that Mercedes could bring in their junior driver Kimi Antonelli for the final three races of the season, giving Hamilton a chance to regroup for his upcoming transition to Ferrari. Such a move would allow Antonelli valuable F1 experience in a season where Mercedes’ standings in the constructors’ championship are unlikely to improve significantly.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Hamilton managed to push his way through challenging conditions to secure a tenth-place finish, salvaging a single point in a weekend filled with setbacks. However, his post-race comments continued to express frustration with the car’s handling, lamenting that his W15 was “the worst it’s ever been.”
This season has seen Hamilton on a rollercoaster journey, from his high points mid-season—where he scored two wins in three races—to his struggles after the summer break, often starting in positions far below his usual level. He has faced particularly tough weekends since the break, with Q1 exits and challenging races becoming more frequent. For a driver used to fighting at the top, the frustration is palpable, as evidenced by his calls for accountability and the hope that Mercedes will find answers.
With only three races left, Hamilton’s focus seems to be less on achieving results and more on finishing the season without further setbacks. His comments about just wanting to “keep the car out of the wall” reflect a stark shift from his competitive spirit of previous years. As he looks toward his new chapter at Ferrari, Mercedes and Hamilton fans alike are left to wonder if they’ve witnessed his last serious performance in the iconic silver car. Only time will tell if the rumors of an early switch are accurate, but one thing is certain: the 2024 season has been a challenging farewell tour for Hamilton at Mercedes, leaving fans eager to see how he will bounce back in red.
