Since his victory at Silverstone, Lewis Hamilton has struggled to match his former performance levels, with no finishes higher than fourth place. His disappointing P10 finish in São Paulo and teammate George Russell’s fourth-place result have raised doubts about whether the seven-time World Champion can still compete at the highest level.
Despite this, Hamilton is set to end his F1 career with Ferrari, having agreed to a multi-year deal that was announced before the 2024 season began. The countdown to the conclusion of Hamilton’s long and successful stint with Mercedes is underway. With his performances this season suggesting a dip in form, many are left questioning the rationale behind his move to Ferrari and how it will unfold. As Hamilton transitions to a new team, there are uncertainties surrounding his ability to reclaim his former glory and challenge for victories once again.
David Coulthard Believes Emotions And Frustration Led To Hamilton’s Mercedes Exit
David Coulthard, a former F1 driver, has weighed in on Lewis Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari, suggesting that the move may have been driven by emotion and frustration. Coulthard speculates that over time, some relationships, including Hamilton’s at Mercedes, can become “stale,” and the opportunity at Ferrari may have seemed like a fresh challenge for the seven-time world champion. Coulthard draws a parallel with Mercedes’ decision to bring Michael Schumacher back, hoping to replicate his Ferrari success, only to find that Schumacher was no longer the driver he once was. Similarly, Coulthard suggests that Ferrari may end up getting a “good Lewis,” acknowledging that Hamilton is still an exceptional driver, even if he has been outperformed by teammate George Russell in certain aspects this season.
As the 2024 season draws to a close, Hamilton’s performances have been scrutinized, with questions about whether he is still operating at the same level as before. With just three races remaining, Hamilton and Russell are separated by only two points in the standings. Next season, Hamilton will face a new challenge at Ferrari, going head-to-head with their star driver, Charles Leclerc.
Is Hamilton Ready To Face Charles Leclerc In Ferrari?
David Coulthard has raised concerns about whether Lewis Hamilton still has the sharpness to compete with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Drawing an analogy to football, Coulthard compares Hamilton to a striker who loses a bit of speed—the one trait that once allowed them to score effortlessly. While Hamilton remains a talented driver, Coulthard suggests that the loss of that edge might impact his ability to perform at the level he once did. In particular, Coulthard points out that Hamilton will need to outqualify Leclerc, who, at 27, is still in his prime and remains a formidable competitor. This could present a significant challenge for Hamilton as he transitions to Ferrari next season.