Since the introduction of the ground effect regulations in 2022, Mercedes has been in a slump. While the team remains optimistic, every attempt to regain the top spot has failed. The team hasn’t won a Grand Prix since 2022, and its F1 project appears disorganized. Additionally, their star driver, Lewis Hamilton, has signed a contract with Ferrari for 2025. Thus, the seven-time world champion wants to give his all in the final stint for the team.
Amidst a turbulent season, Mercedes is enduring significant challenges. However, there was a glimmer of hope ahead of the Monaco GP. The Friday practice sessions were the best of the season, with Lewis Hamilton outperforming Max Verstappen. However, during Saturday’s qualifying, Hamilton finished seventh and was visibly despondent with the outcome. His post-qualifying statements have spurred tension, as the fans have created a Mercedes’ conspiracy.’
Is George Russell The Favorite Driver On The Mercedes Team?
Lewis Hamilton, soon to fulfill his childhood dream of driving for Ferrari, is currently enduring a challenging season. So far, the Briton has scored 42 points in eight GPs. Although he aims to end his farewell season with Mercedes on a high note, the W15’s issues hamper his performance. Despite Mercedes’ consistent efforts to improve, underlying problems continue to set them back. However, the team showed promise during the free practice sessions, reigniting hopes of a comeback. Moreover, the Saturday qualifying was another disappointment for the starlet Lewis Hamilton. While the seven-time world champion already professed W15’s woes in the longer run, it hindered his hopes of finishing on the top.
Fans are linking his poor qualification run to a Mercedes Conspiracy. The duo of British racers, Hamilton and George Russell, share a fractious bond. Since Russell’s Mercedes debut, he has been considered Hamilton’s biggest competitor. Moreover, Russell is now the number one driver of the Silver Arrows. Fans believe the Silver outfit is neglecting its star driver, Hamilton. After finishing two positions below Russell, the 39-year-old feels he won’t be able to out-qualify his teammate due to the upgrade. The conspiracy theory spread through the internet after Hamilton’s disappointing interview. Moreover, Russell was given the new front wings, while Hamilton used the old ones. Ultimately, it is difficult to confirm the theory, as Mercedes asked Russell to swap his fifth spot with Hamilton at Imola. Therefore, whether Mercedes favors its young driver over the experienced star remains a mystery.
Can Lewis Hamilton End His Mercedes Stint On A High Note?
Although fortune does not favor Hamilton, he is keen on finishing the season on a higher note. However, given the technical issues of the W15 and its disparity from other cars, this seems far from possible. The seven-time world champion is preparing for his Ferrari move in a quest for the eighth world title.
While Hamilton remains optimistic, he is also realistic about his winning chances. Earlier, during an interview, he stated that the fight for the top spot is fierce and that he doesn’t have a ‘realistic’ chance. Consequently, the best outcome for him was a fifth-place finish; thus, the dream of winning a race stays distant.