Lewis Hamilton’s Tough Weekend in Austin Sparks Controversy as He Prepares for Ferrari Switch in 2025

Lewis Hamilton faced a challenging weekend at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, marking yet another difficult race in his final season with Mercedes. The seven-time world champion’s struggles have led to speculation and conspiracy theories among fans, with some even suggesting that the team might be deliberately undermining his performance as he prepares to join Ferrari in 2025.

Hamilton’s weekend started to unravel during the Sprint race. After gaining five positions in just two laps, he was poised for a stunning comeback from P17. However, his car developed a suspension issue, forcing Mercedes mechanics to make quick repairs. Despite their efforts, the British driver’s race ended abruptly on lap two when his car spun off the track, leading to the first safety car appearance since June’s Canadian Grand Prix. This marked a painful end to what could have been a memorable recovery drive, especially on a track where Hamilton has historically been dominant, winning six times.

The incident raised questions about the car’s reliability, as Hamilton’s spin mirrored a similar incident involving teammate George Russell during qualifying. Russell had caused double yellow flags after losing control at the same corner, highlighting potential flaws in Mercedes’ setup or car performance. The fact that both drivers experienced similar issues suggests there may be underlying problems with the car’s handling, yet the team has struggled to diagnose or address them effectively.

Mercedes’ Team Principal, Toto Wolff, was quick to defend Hamilton’s driving, attributing the spin to external factors such as wind and dirty air, rather than a mistake by the driver. He emphasized that Hamilton’s extensive experience should rule out any doubts about his abilities, stating, “Lewis doesn’t lose the car on lap two like this.” Wolff also dismissed the notion that the recent upgrades to the car were flawed, insisting that Mercedes would continue using the new specifications for the upcoming race in Mexico.

Despite Wolff’s assurances, Hamilton’s radio messages during the race weekend painted a picture of frustration. At one point, he could be heard asking his engineer, “Where is the car, man?”—a question that underscores the struggle he has faced throughout the season. While Russell managed to finish P6 after starting from the pit lane, Hamilton’s car issues meant that he ended up with zero points, making it the second consecutive year he has left Austin empty-handed.

The drama surrounding Hamilton’s performance this season has reignited speculation about Mercedes’ internal dynamics, especially given the driver’s impending move to Ferrari. Some fans have speculated that the team might be favoring Russell, who will continue with Mercedes beyond 2024. During the Austin race weekend, there were even suggestions that Hamilton was willing to let Russell use the upgraded car to avoid starting from the back of the grid, a request that Mercedes reportedly declined. This decision has led to theories that the team may be prioritizing Russell’s performance as part of their future plans, a move that would naturally irk Hamilton and his supporters.

Looking ahead, Hamilton’s upcoming switch to Ferrari could be a defining moment in his career. His move to the Italian team has been seen by many as a last bid to secure his eighth world championship, which would make him the most successful driver in F1 history. The promise of a competitive car and a new environment at Ferrari might be exactly what Hamilton needs to reignite his title aspirations. The partnership between Hamilton and Ferrari is already generating excitement, with fans anticipating a historic pairing that could bring the team back to its glory days.

In contrast, Mercedes may come to regret not doing more to retain Hamilton, especially if their performance issues continue. The decision to allow him to leave could haunt the team, particularly if he manages to find success with Ferrari. Hamilton’s tenure with Mercedes has been instrumental in shaping the team’s dominance over the past decade, and his departure marks the end of an era.

Ultimately, the question remains: is Mercedes deliberately making it harder for Hamilton as he prepares to leave, or are they simply grappling with a car that has been difficult to handle all season? Regardless, Hamilton’s focus is now firmly on 2025, where he hopes to find a team that better understands his feedback and can provide him with the competitive edge he needs to win. For Mercedes, the challenge will be proving that they can remain at the top without the driver who helped build their legacy.

The final races of the 2024 season will be crucial for Hamilton and Mercedes, as both parties look to end their long-standing partnership on a high note. However, if the events in Austin are any indication, it’s clear that tensions are running high, and the path to a smooth farewell is anything but certain.