Mercedes is facing deep trouble with their 2023 car, which may possibly result in Lewis Hamilton leaving the team after this season. Lewis joined Mercedes back in 2013. It has been a journey of ten years filled with tremendous success and heading toward impending doom. In the turbo-hybrid era, there was no stopping Mercedes as they had the fastest car and dominated the grid for the most prolonged period. However, those days are well past the Silver Arrows. Lewis Hamilton is now 38 and is desperate to ensure his eighth title.
But Mercedes is unable to provide the Briton with the perfect car. It has been back-to-back years, including the current season, when the seven-time champ struggled because of the poor mechanics of the car. Last year saw a terrible bouncing problem with the W13 car that ruined the early races as well as a few of the later halves for Mercedes. Amid this dilemma, the question comes is as to who will replace Lewis at Mercedes if he decides to depart. Looks like his team-mate George Russell has provided an idea of the same. Keep reading to find out.
Lewis Hamilton Is Irreplaceable At Mercedes
This year the W14 car is facing issues with the balance and the cockpit position. Lewis Hamilton is not comfortable with the car and has complained about it on multiple occasions this year after only three races are done. Hamilton’s biggest problem is that his team did not take his suggestions about how to build the car. This shocking disregard for the seven-time champion’s ideas can be a sign of the eventual end of an era when Lewis actually leaves the German team.
There was also another incident after the Australian Grand Prix when Hamilton was looking for his team to celebrate his 192nd podium finish. Still, nobody was there from his team to congratulate him. That really hurt his feelings. After all these things, it is understandable why Hamilton might have a change of heart and eventually decide to leave. According to George Russell, if Lewis Hamilton leaves Mercedes, it will be tough to find someone to fill his shoes. Russell mentioned, “Whoever takes his place won’t matter to me because nobody can be a faster or more challenging teammate than him.”
Apparently, for Russell, it does not matter who takes place after Hamilton in Mercedes’ seat. Although it will be big boots to fill. It would be impossible to repeat the gaping hold Hamilton leaves should he decide to leave the team.
What Does The Future Hold For Hamilton And Toto Wolff’s Team?
There is a possibility that Hamilton may try out Ferrari as almost all greats have been to that team once in their career, even Hamilton’s favorite, Ayrton Senna. Even Hamilton’s long-time friend and rival Sebastian Vettel left Red Bull to be a part of the red devils, Ferrari. But in the end, it will depend on the car that Ferrari might be able to provide Lewis Hamilton. However, Lewis frequently mentioned, “I would like to end my career with Mercedes. But not anytime soon.” On top of that, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also clarified that they don’t have any replacement ideas ready for Hamilton being gone.
Literally, Lewis Hamilton is the reason why Mercedes still stands a chance to win the championship anyhow. But if he leaves, Mercedes will drop a long way down. However, to keep him happy, the engineers need to build him a car that he feels confident and comfortable in. Toto Wolff had mentioned before, “I don’t think Lewis will leave as soon as this current season is over. We’ve a great understanding. But if Mercedes is not able to give him the perfect car. Then he might leave in two to three years. I won’t hold any grudge against him.”