New Delhi: In F1, there have been numerous partnerships between teams and drivers that have forged memorable partnerships. Ferrari and Michael Schumacher in ten years where the German won five World Championships and six World Constructor’s Championships. Ayrton Senna and McLaren dominated the F1 world between 1988 and 1991.
However, this season end marks the end of one of the finest Formula One partnerships as Lewis Hamilton makes his move to Scuderia Ferrari. Hamilton has been with Mercedes since 2007 when the team was called Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.
As the season turns towards Abu Dhabi, Hamilton is less sure of ending his long association with Mercedes on a high. However, he is sure that he and the team will give their best. For most of the season, the 39-year-old had a tough outing, with the troubles only increasing as the seasons progressed.
Lewis Hamilton’s frustrating season
Finishing 12th in Qatar last weekend, after having received two separate penalties Hamilton had noted that he was “definitely not fast” in the grid. The season has been frustrating for the English driver with his team-mate George Russell out-performing him in the qualifying of the Qatar by miles.
There have been a few highs for Hamilton, having won in Silverstone and Spa. His record ninth-ever win in Silverstone was his first in two years. In the British Grand Prix, though, Hamilton did display his supreme powers, winning in the wet condition. Despite the poor performance, both Mercedes and Hamilton have mentioned that it doesn’t undermine their achievements.
GET IN THERE!!!!
LEWIS HAMILTON WINS THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX!!!! 🏆
What a moment. Incredible! pic.twitter.com/ucamrUBTGq
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) July 7, 2024
Team principal Toto Wolff noted that they knew the season would be “bumpy” ever since Hamilton had taken his decision. However, both Hamilton and the team could take pride in the fact that they braved the storm together. Wolff further noted that there was never any doubt in Hamilton’s passion for the team, and one off-season couldn’t describe his time at the Mercedes.
The Mercedes-Hamburg combination has been one of the most successful team-driver associations in history. Since joining Mercedes in 2013, Hamilton has won six of the seven driver titles won by the team and 120 grand prix races. Mercedes also won eight constructors’ championships in a row.
Hamilton is currently the most successful F1 driver having taken six of seven Championships with mercedes as 84 from his 105 race wins and 78 of his 104 poles. With his 19th year in Formula one being the first without being in Mercedes, the team are trying to turn up with every inch of determination for their best performance of the season.
There are many reasons for Mercedes and Hamilton to think that this could be a great race weekend for Hamilton, who has won five times on the Abu Dhabi track, more than any driver. However, this is also the track where two years ago, after winning the previous four consecutive seasons, Hamilton’s search for his record-setting 8th championship title came to a halt.
A controversial decision from Michael Masi, the race director, saw Hamilton’s dominating performance in the race ended in vain. Masi’s decision to override the protocol over the handling of lapped cars and the timing of the restart saw Max Verstappen pass Hamilton after the race restarted for one lap, with Verstappen taking home his first Championship title.
Despite Hamilton doubting his place in F1, both Mercedes and he started the season determined to regain the title. However, they failed often amidst new technical rules introduced in 2022. Their inability to dominate the track was one of the reasons that led Hamilton to join Ferrari.
The other was Wolff’s decision to offer Hamilton only a one-year deal in the summer of 2023. This was mostly to keep flexibility for the future driver line-up as Hamilton approached 40. Though they negotiated the deal with an option to stay one year extra, Hamilton is certain that he has more time left in F1.
With Ferrari offering a bigger raise and longer time than Mercedes deal, it was a no brainer for Hamilton to go for the Italian team. Many including Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes trackside engineering director and Hamilton’s colleague for a long time believe it is a bold decision to take and there were many reasons for such a move. Hamilton always wanted to have be with Ferrari even if for the briefest moment in his career.
There are many things that Hamilton brings on the grid aside his driving qualities. He has inspired generations to take an interest in motorsport. This is why his teammates and fans so badly want to see him win the eighth title. Currently, he is tied with Schumacher.
For Mercedes, there was no better achievement than seeing Hamilton return to his winning ways in Silverstone. Shovlin noted that there were many doubts from the British driver if he had won his last race at Mercedes. The team enjoyed being part of the moment.
Lewis Hamilton’s struggle under new regulations
Suiting up for Quali for the last time as a Mercedes driver 🖤💛💜 pic.twitter.com/PdoPyp9UnZ
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 7, 2024
For someone who holds the record for having the most number of pole positions, Hamilton’s struggle has been humbling in many ways. Hamilton himself believes it is neither his style nor the car’s setup that is causing such slips. However, for most of the season, he has noted that the trouble was not having confidence in the rear of the car. Hamilton in Las Vegas noted that the floor worked and then abruptly stopped and started.
Shovlin has noted that it was difficult to turn the cars in the slow corners and the only way has been sliding the rear while entering the corner and then sliding the rear on power during exit. This has been difficult for Hamilton. In the earlier regulations meant Hamilton’s set up was to the rear of the car came at the point of braking and gained pitch which would aid in turning the car.
Aside winning races, Hamilton’s presence has always brought in diversity and inclusivity something which he is proud of. This is something that he was able to bring into the side of Mercedes as well. Wolff has agreed that Hamilton had zeal to bring changes in the teams.
As Hamilton departs, he hopes that his time at the team will continue the idea of inclusivity and the fight against racism. Wolff admits that he gave a whole different perspective to the issues as the only black F1 driver and that too as the one whose achievement has been celebrated globally. Perhaps everyone at Mercedes will remember him as someone who was committed to the word.
Of course, while he leaves behind a great legacy at Mercedes, it is not without disappointment as they failed to give Hamilton his well-deserved eight title and clearly the duo’s reigning attitude has dried up. There is little doubt that he is one of the best drivers to have ever stepped out of the Mercedes paddock.
Wolff believes that while Hamilton will be his competitor in the next season, the equation between the two won’t change. Hamilton has also expressed hopes of remaining on good terms with the team. What is little to doubt is Hamilton will have to recreate this kind of tuning at Ferrari from scratch.
As F1 calendar’s final race of the season nears at Abu Dhabi, Lewis Hamilton leaves behind a legacy at Mercedes beyond numbers. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
