The 2010s were a landmark era for Mercedes, characterized by exceptional triumphs. The Brackley-based team reached its zenith, ruling the racing world. They were especially formidable under the hybrid regulations, securing multiple world championships. However, since the final race of 2021, the team has faced a decline. Lewis Hamilton’s controversial defeat to Max Verstappen in a contentious decision has left Mercedes struggling to reclaim its former dominance.
In 2022, the FIA implemented ground-effect regulations, which the Mercedes technical team has struggled to decipher. As a result, they have repeatedly faltered in designing their F1 projects. This performance decline and the looming prospect of Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari have heightened internal tensions within the team. With a disappointing P7 finish at the recent Monaco GP, things are not looking good between Mercedes and Hamilton. One of the F1 pundits has decoded the situation with a striking revelation.
Lewis Hamilton Has Mentally Moved On, Says F1 Pundit
Lewis Hamilton is on the brink of fulfilling his childhood dream of racing for Ferrari but is enduring a tough season. The British driver has accumulated just 42 points over eight Grand Prix races. Despite his wish to conclude his final season with Mercedes on a high note, the challenges of the W15 hinder his performance. Although Mercedes is continuously working on improvements, fundamental issues persist. This was evident when the team had a strong start on Friday in Monaco but faltered again during qualifying. George Russell tried a new front wing setup, but Hamilton was unwilling to take the risk. Fans believe Mercedes is not giving the seven-time world champion the support he deserves as he prepares to leave. Additionally, the relationship between Hamilton and his fellow British driver, George Russell, remains strained.
Thus, F1 pundit and former McLaren driver David Coulthard feels Lewis Hamilton has moved on from Mercedes. The Briton was frustrated that he could not chase down Verstappen and Russell despite a pit stop. Thus, he failed to maximize the fresh tire, finishing the race in the same spot where he started. During a live F1 TV podcast, David Coulthard assessed Hamilton’s mind shift as he looks to start a fresh stint with Ferrari. David claimed that despite Mercedes’ attempts to improve, Hamilton had mentally moved on. It was evident from the way he described the situation after the race. Hamilton looks unhappy after a string of low performances.
Jamie Chadwick Has A Different Outlook On Hamilton-Russell Saga
On the other hand, Jamie Chadwick says Hamilton is turning around the narrative. The Briton is behind his teammate Russell in recent performance. Thus, Chadwick feels he is blaming everything on his teammate and his new front wings in Monaco. However, this is an entirely false narrative.
Hamilton said he doesn’t expect to beat Russell in this year’s qualifying. He was aiming towards partiality and feels Russell gets the better upgrades. However, during an interview, Chadwick said the 39-year-old driver knows everything and is still ‘spinning’ the narrative.