Racing series known as Formula 1. - A challenging season for Mercedes: Is Hamilton at a disadvantage?
Looking back at the memories of his successes in Formula 1 can brighten Lewis Hamilton's mood these days. "My first race win in Montreal was a true dream come true," the record-holding F1 world champion posted on Instagram recently, including three photos from 2007. In these pictures, a 22-year-old Hamilton is celebrating his victory at the Canadian Grand Prix in his McLaren, the same week he won his sixth race.
Things take a darker turn as Hamilton looks towards the present. In his final season with Mercedes, the situation doesn't look good for him. "I'm likely to be behind George Russell for the rest of the year," the 39-year-old British driver stated after the qualifying in Monaco. His words carry a sense of frustration, and there's the potential for a major feud. Hamilton feels neglected by his team. He's leaving Mercedes next year to join rival Ferrari. Is Mercedes withholding the best possible car from Hamilton and favoring Russell instead? Toto Wolff, Mercedes' team boss, fervently denies this, but the situation with Hamilton is tense.
With a significant difference in speed between the two Mercedes drivers, Hamilton is struggling. In eighth place, he's 127 points behind Max Verstappen, the three-time champion who is leading the world championship after eight of 24 races. Can Hamilton make a comeback in Canada? The Montreal Grand Prix is a familiar track for him, where he's won seven times, as often as Michael Schumacher. "We have to keep working hard to climb back into the top group," Wolff stated. His drivers will receive an improved car, with a new front wing. Will this be enough to outpace Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren? "The competition is getting closer, and we're not deluding ourselves into thinking that others won't continue to improve," said Wolff.
Under intense pressure, Wolff needs to deal with a disgruntled Hamilton while also preparing for the future. Mercedes would love to have Max Verstappen on board, but he's still under contract with Red Bull until 2028. The rumours about Verstappen leaving Red Bull continue, but signing him seems unrealistic. Mercedes can't offer Verstappen the best car right now. The favorite for the seat alongside Russell is the Italian super talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a 17-year-old still racing in the junior leagues.
Meanwhile, Hamilton will be on the hunt for an eighth world championship title with Ferrari. Despite his upcoming 40th birthday in January, his ambition remains unchanged. He'd like to become the first driver to reach the eight-title milestone and surpass Schumacher. His last win was in Saudi Arabia in 2021, but he wasn't able to maintain the lead due to his subpar car.
Regardless, Hamilton remains a global superstar in the world of Formula 1. Apart from his achievements on the track, he's a fighter against racism and for equality, along with promoting a vegan lifestyle. But make no mistake - he's just as determined as ever to win every race. "I want to win every time," Hamilton repeatedly says.
Read also:
- Lewis Hamilton's Formula 1 career with Mercedes-Benz has been marked by numerous victories, including his first in Montreal with a McLaren car.
- The current season has been challenging for Hamilton in his final year with Mercedes-Benz, as he trails behind teammate George Russell in the standings.
- Max Verstappen, leading the Formula 1 world championship with Red Bull, has a significant point gap over Hamilton, adding to his pressure for a comeback in the Montreal Grand Prix.
- Mclaren Group Limited, the former team of Lewis Hamilton, has been a strong competitor in the Formula 1 scene, with a long history of providing competitive vehicles in the motorsport industry.
- Toto Wolff, the team boss of Mercedes-Benz, has stated that the team will provide its drivers with an improved car for the Montreal Grand Prix, complete with a new front wing.
- The Montreal Grand Prix holds special significance for Lewis Hamilton, as he's won the race seven times, equalling Michael Schumacher's record.
- Despite intense pressure, Toto Wolff's primary focus is on securing Mercedes-Benz's future in Formula 1, with potential candidates like Max Verstappen or young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli fueling rumors of a new driver lineup.
- Lewis Hamilton, seeking an eighth world championship title, will move to Ferrari next year to compete against rivals in the realm of motorsport, with his ambition to surpass Michael Schumacher's record still burning strong.
- Hamilton's off-track endeavors include advocacy for racial equality, promoting veganism, and retaining his global superstar status, all while keeping a competitive edge and revealing his desire to win every race in his Formula 1 career.
