Lewis Hamilton Reflects on Near Exit from Mercedes After Brazilian GP

Lewis Hamilton nearly left Mercedes after disappointing results at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he failed to qualify for Q3 and finished far behind the winner. He expressed frustrations related to the ongoing season and shared a desire for a fresh start. Despite contemplating his exit, he reaffirmed his commitment to finish strong in the remaining races before transitioning to Ferrari for the 2025 season.

Lewis Hamilton revealed that he came close to leaving Mercedes prior to the conclusion of the 2024 season following a disappointing experience at the Brazilian Grand Prix. The renowned seven-time World Champion has announced his impending transition to Ferrari for the 2025 season but contemplated exiting his current team with only three races remaining. Hamilton encountered difficulties throughout the Brazilian race weekend, failing to advance to Q3 and finishing significantly behind race winner Max Verstappen, earning only a single point. After the race, he communicated concerns over the Mercedes team radio, expressing gratitude and lamenting a final performance that did not meet expectations.

In his remarks to the media in Brazil, Hamilton suggested that his exit from Mercedes “can’t come soon enough,” indicating a desire for a break before the Christmas holiday. Upon returning to the F1 circuit in Las Vegas, he provided context for his earlier comments, noting the emotional weight of the Brazilian weekend. “In the moment, that’s how I felt, like I didn’t really want to come back after that weekend. But I think that’s only natural. It’s frustrating when you have a season like this,” he explained, expressing hope to avoid a similar experience in the future.

With just three races remaining before his departure from Mercedes, Hamilton reflected on his long tenure with the team since 2013 and highlighted the mental reset he managed during the recent break. “Naturally, in the moment I didn’t feel great, obviously with that last race. But obviously, I’ve had an amazing last week with lots of great projects I’m working on… There’s a lot going on. Obviously, I’ve got a collection here with Tyler The Creator,” he conveyed, emphasizing the need to maintain enthusiasm for his career despite setbacks. Hamilton reassured fans and colleagues alike of his commitment to finish the season strongly as his current team struggles in the Constructors’ Championship and his future team vies for the championship against Red Bull and McLaren.

The Brazilian Grand Prix proved challenging for Lewis Hamilton, marking a pivotal moment in his ongoing relationship with Mercedes. Having driven for the team since the 2013 season, Hamilton’s recent performance and the frustrations accompanying it prompted him to reflect on his future. With their current standing in the Constructors’ Championship, the team’s challenges add to the pressure as Hamilton prepares to transition to Ferrari. This pivotal week encapsulates the stress and emotional weight athletes often confront in high-stakes environments.

In conclusion, Lewis Hamilton’s candid admission about nearly quitting Mercedes highlights the emotional toll that disappointing performances can exert on athletes. As he approaches the end of his tenure with Mercedes, Hamilton underscores the importance of resilience and commitment, vowing to complete the season with passion and focus. His preparations for a new chapter in his career at Ferrari are accompanied by reflections on past challenges, showcasing his dedication to the sport and love for racing.

Original Source: www.gpblog.com