Lewis Hamilton’s 2024 Formula 1 campaign is shaping up to be one of the most difficult of his illustrious career. The seven-time world champion announced during the winter that he would be leaving Mercedes at the end of the season to join Ferrari in 2025. This high-profile move has fueled speculation that his struggles on track and his impending departure may not be entirely unrelated.
Lewis Hamilton himself has never suggested any deliberate actions against him, nor is there concrete evidence to support such claims. Yet, George Russell’s dominance in their intra-team qualifying battle—extended to a commanding 17-5 margin after securing pole position for the Las Vegas Grand Prix—has heightened scrutiny. While Russell begins the race from pole, Hamilton will start 10th after two errors in Q3, compounding his season’s woes.
There have been moments of brilliance from Hamilton this year, including an emotional triumph at Silverstone in a mixed-conditions race, breaking a winless streak of over two and a half years. However, the season has largely been marked by his struggles with the W15—a car that has left him visibly uncomfortable. A disappointing P10 finish at the São Paulo GP, the worst of his finishes this year, dropped Lewis Hamilton below George Russell in the standings, putting his record of finishing in the top six every season in jeopardy.
Speculation Surrounding Mercedes’ Alleged Treatment of Lewis Hamilton
According to a column by Jonathan McEvoy in *The Mail*, some of Lewis Hamilton’s closest allies, including family and friends, reportedly believe that Mercedes may be “deliberately holding him back” this year. While the claim lacks substantiation, it has sparked debate. McEvoy suggests that Hamilton’s decision to leave the team may have “scorned” Mercedes leadership, although the reasons why the team would allegedly undermine one of their most successful drivers remain unclear.
Russell’s upcoming role as the team leader alongside rookie Kimi Antonelli in 2025 could naturally lead to more focus on the younger Briton. Yet, Hamilton’s six world championships with Mercedes make it hard to imagine the team would compromise their relationship with a driver of his caliber. Professional gratitude and the team’s values should, in theory, ensure fair treatment.
Challenges Ahead for Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes have appeared baffled by the performance inconsistencies of the W15, and team principal Toto Wolff must still rely on Hamilton’s vast experience to improve the car. Despite the tension, Hamilton’s input remains invaluable as Mercedes work to reclaim their competitive edge.
At the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton’s frustrations continued despite a strong showing in practice and Q2. A lap good enough for third on the grid eluded him after his Q3 mistakes. Post-qualifying, his race engineer, Peter Bonnington, apologized to him over the radio—a gesture some interpreted as sympathy rather than an admission of fault on the team’s part.
As Lewis Hamilton nears the end of his time with Mercedes, his focus appears to be waning. His candid remarks after the São Paulo GP reflected his eagerness for the season to conclude, leaving fans and analysts wondering how he will approach the final races of this chapter in his career.
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