Why Hamilton didn't celebrate drivers' title in Mexico
Why Hamilton didn't celebrate drivers' title in Mexico
Toto Wolff has revealed that Lewis Hamilton was in no mood to celebrate securing a fifth world drivers' title at the Mexican Grand Prix, as a poor outing for Mercedes have denied them the chance to also secure constructors' championship glory at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
A fifth-place finish was enough for Hamilton's personal quest, but both he and Valtteri Bottas dropped backwards as the Silver Arrows struggled with tyre wear at altitude.
Mercedes didn't have long to wait as Hamilton's victory last time out in Brazil saw them crowned team champions for a fifth year in a row.
Hamilton's celebrations at the end of the race were notably more enthusiastic and Wolff says it is another sign of Hamilton's commitment to team glory.
"When I had a conversation with him on the Sunday night after Mexico we both didn't feel happy," Wolff said.
"Here is a driver that just won his fifth drivers' championship and was not satisfied because our objective – and this is without wanting to sound not humble – was to win both championship for the team.
"That's why he was emotional and [trying to] understand the race situation. He wanted to finish this on a high and win the constructors' championship in Brazil."
Next in Mercedes' sights is matching Ferrari's record six-straight titles next year and Hamilton's claim that his work with the team has never been better is an ominous warning for their rivals.
"Naturally the will to want to win is so high for everyone and the stakes are high," the five-time champion said.
"Ultimately, you could make mistakes and all these different things but we didn't or I didn't on the track, for example.
"To come in and see my guys who I've come along this great journey with and we've had a lot of success but we've still remained fierce and competitive. I think our relationship is better than it's ever been so just that bond, it was just a great moment, plus it was a really hard race."
MORE: Hamilton triumph hasn't stopped Vettel enjoying 2018
MORE: Mercedes back Hamilton amid India controversy
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Incredible statistic puts Verstappen AHEAD of Hamilton record
- 26 minutes ago
Fierce rival calls Hamilton F1's GOAT in surprise admission
- 1 hour ago
Mercedes star tipped to replace struggling driver THIS season
- 2 hours ago
F1 legend issues DAMNING verdict on proposed rule change
- 3 hours ago
Red Bull chief admits interest in poaching TWO rival stars
- Today 09:57
Audi agree LONG-TERM F1 deal with star driver
- Today 09:13
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860