Mercedes thwarts Hamilton repeatedly in a final emotional battle.
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, hasn't won a race in two years. After joining Ferrari, Mercedes may find it challenging to secure another win with such a legendary driver. Hamilton feels disheartened and creates more problems within the team.
Mercedes' only hope for a brighter future is to remember the good times. Hamilton recently shared images on Instagram from his first race win in Montreal back in 2007, where he drove his McLaren into the lead during his sixth Grand Prix at just 22 years old. Now, as he returns to Canada, a place with fond memories for Hamilton, his current situation with Mercedes seems bleak.
Hamilton, now 39, made headlines during the qualifying in Monaco by voicing his concerns. "I think I'll be behind George Russell for the rest of the year," he said, showing clear frustration. Despite the Brit's upcoming move to Ferrari in 2025, questions remain about Mercedes favoring Russell over Hamilton. Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team boss, downplayed these concerns, claiming they aim to give both drivers equal treatment.
This season, Hamilton finds himself behind his teammate and far from the front. His car isn't competitive enough to challenge current champion Max Verstappen, who continues to dominate Red Bull with three consecutive wins. Hamilton currently sits eighth, trailing Verstappen by 127 points following eight out of 22 World Championship races.
Can there be a reversal in Canada? The track on Île Notre-Dame at the St. Lawrence River is known to suit Hamilton. He has won seven times there, tying him with Michael Schumacher for the most wins. Mercedes will update their cars, using a new front wing, and will need to make significant improvements to catch up to Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren.
Wolff is facing mounting pressure. He must satisfy Hamilton, who can still contribute to Mercedes' car development, while also pushing for progress in the upcoming year. Hamilton will have a limited impact on this process since he'll be racing against Mercedes in 2025.
The vacant driving seat is a key concern for Mercedes. The German manufacturer desires to sign Red Bull's Max Verstappen, but his contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, making this seem unrealistic despite rumors of an exit clause. Verstappen seeks the best car, and Mercedes currently can't provide it. The likely successor to drive with Russell is Italian prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a 17-year-old racing in his first season of Formula 2.
In the meantime, Hamilton plans to strive for his eighth world title with Ferrari. Though he turns 40 in January, his drive to surpass Michael Schumacher's record of seven titles hasn't waned. Hamilton claimed his last win in Saudi Arabia in 2021, but his car failed him and left him behind Verstappen.
Despite the doubtful future, Hamilton remains the face of Formula 1. He's a global superstar in what's considered the most significant racing series worldwide. As an advocate for anti-racism and equality and a vegan, he also champions important causes outside of his sport. Winning remains the main goal for Hamilton, who asserts, "I want to win every time."
