The Las Vegas GP was a mixed bag for Hamilton, who struggled to extract maximum performance from his car on the unpredictable circuit. While he fought valiantly and managed to secure a respectable finish, the gap between him and his competitors, including his teammate George Russell, was evident.
However, what seemed like a straightforward case of car setup issues or bad luck took a shocking twist after the race. According to reports, members of Hamilton’s inner circle suggested that Mercedes may not have provided the seven-time world champion with the best possible equipment, fueling whispers of favoritism or mismanagement within the team.
Hamilton’s family reportedly voiced their frustration privately, pointing to a pattern of incidents this season where Hamilton’s car appeared to underperform compared to Russell’s. While no direct evidence of sabotage has been presented, the accusations hint at deeper tensions within the Mercedes garage.
One family member was quoted as saying:
“It’s hard to watch Lewis give everything on track, only to feel like he’s being let down by his team. Something doesn’t add up when his car consistently struggles in crucial moments.”
These comments have sparked a media frenzy, with fans and pundits debating whether there is any merit to the claims or if they stem from the frustrations of a challenging season.
The Mercedes team has categorically denied any allegations of sabotage, emphasizing their commitment to treating both drivers equally. In a statement, team principal Toto Wolff addressed the rumors:
“Mercedes has always operated with fairness and transparency. Both Lewis and George receive the same level of support and equipment. Any suggestion otherwise is completely unfounded.”
Wolff also acknowledged Hamilton’s tough weekend, attributing the struggles to setup challenges unique to the Las Vegas circuit rather than any internal issues.
For his part, Lewis Hamilton has remained diplomatic, refusing to fan the flames of controversy. In post-race interviews, he focused on the positives, expressing his determination to bounce back and praising the team for their efforts.
“It was a tough race, no doubt, but we win and lose as a team. I trust everyone at Mercedes is working hard to give us the best possible car,” Hamilton said. However, he stopped short of directly addressing his family’s comments.
The sabotage accusation has divided the F1 community. Some fans sympathize with Hamilton, arguing that his experience and status as a seven-time champion should guarantee top-tier support. Others view the claims as baseless and believe they undermine the unity of the Mercedes team.
F1 analyst Martin Brundle commented:
“Tensions are always high in a competitive environment like Formula 1, especially during a difficult season. While the frustration is understandable, accusing a team like Mercedes of sabotage without concrete evidence is a serious allegation.”
The fallout from the Las Vegas GP could have long-lasting implications for Mercedes. If the relationship between Hamilton and the team is strained, it may impact their preparations for the final races of the season and beyond.
With Hamilton’s contract renewal still a topic of speculation, these allegations could also influence his future in Formula 1. Will this incident push Hamilton closer to seeking opportunities with another team, or will it be a wake-up call for Mercedes to reaffirm their commitment to their star driver?
The accusations from Hamilton’s family have added another layer of drama to an already chaotic Las Vegas GP weekend. While Mercedes works to clear the air and refocus on the racing, the incident highlights the intense pressure and scrutiny that come with competing at the highest level of motorsport.
As the season approaches its conclusion, all eyes will be on Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes to see how they respond to this unexpected storm of controversy.
