Sir Lewis Hamilton ruled the Formula One grid two years back. He dominated like no other driver before him could ever do. The great Briton won seven titles in his 15-year-long career and won 103 races. No other driver has even touched 100 race wins in the history of the sport. Even in pole positions, Hamilton leads the chart. It will be extremely difficult for any driver to equal Hamilton’s record in the future. Not every driver can imagine having such longevity as Lewis. He is 38 years old. But he plans to drive for another four or five years. Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton have changed the perception of the driver’s age limit in Formula One.
These superstar racers are still going strong and dominating the grid. However, there is a new kid on the block who is truly dominating the grid. He is none other than the current double-time champion, Max Verstappen. Moreover, the Dutchman has won over 30 races in the past two and a half years. But how can Hamilton and Mercedes get back to winning ways and even try to dethrone Red Bull and Max Verstappen? There is a new rumor that Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton are planning to dethrone the current double-time champion.
What If James Allison’s Return Signal A New Plan For Mercedes To Dethrone Their Rivals?
The enigmatic return of James Allison to the Brackley team is signaling something very fishy. Perhaps they are trying to figure out a mastermind to stop the reign of the Dutchman. However, the technical director of Mercedes mentioned he is not directly present with the W14 car’s development. Moreover, James Allison explained that re-engaging means collaborating with colleagues who deal with the development of the car. The Brackley team is trying really hard to get back on their feet.
James Allison diz que não estava trabalhando no W14, mesmo fazendo parte da equipe
— Mercedes-AMG F1 Brasil 🇧🇷 (@MercedesAMGF1BR) August 23, 2023
🎙️ | “Quando voltei ao cargo de diretor técnico, toda a equipe estava trabalhando para melhorar o W14. Eu não estava fazendo isso. Estava trabalhando em outras coisas.” pic.twitter.com/U2IP5KYhTK
Adding to that, James Allison mentioned the development process does not change when he gets back to the team. He can’t say things like, “Stop doing what you idiots have been doing. Instead, let us do it my way.” It does not make everything fine. However, despite what Allison says, his return to the fold of Toto Wolff’s team may suggest a counter-offensive plan to help Lewis Hamilton beat Max Verstappen.
The Cost Cap Era Saw The Fall Of Lewis Hamilton And Rise Of Max Verstappen
Since the introduction of the cost cap era last year, Lewis Hamilton has been winless. On the other hand, Max Verstappen broke the most points and wins record in a season last year with 15 Grand Prix wins. Moreover, he is on his way to breaking his last year’s record in 2023. After 12 races, Max has already won ten. Moreover, he is enjoying an eight-race winning streak.
In the next race at home, Verstappen can equalize former Red Bull star Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine consecutive wins. On the other hand, Lewis Hamilton is looking to break his win drought. The last Grand Prix he won was in the 2021 Saudi Arabian GP. It was the penultimate race of that year. However, the last race of that year in Abu Dhabi brought a new change in the sport with a new champion.
