Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes to make SURPRISE F1 change

Bonnington and Hamilton after victory at Silverstone — Photo: © IMAGO

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Hamilton and Mercedes to make SURPRISE change

Lewis Hamilton will compete in his final three races for Mercedes

By Sheona Mountford.

Monday 18 November 2024 05:00

Lewis Hamilton's final season at Mercedes could take a surprise turn as the champion enters his final three races with the team.

Aside from two wins in Silverstone and Spa, Hamilton has often been left frustrated by Mercedes' 2024 performances, especially following the triple header in Austin, Mexico and Brazil.

In recent races, McLaren, Red Bull and Ferrari have established themselves as the front runners, and Mercedes have been left behind in no man’s land.

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However, one of Hamilton’s defining characteristics is his resilience to adversity, and he will not want to leave the team on this current low.

Which is why you should expect a performance U-turn for Hamilton and Mercedes in the final three races of the 2024 season.

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Whilst these are not the fighting words associated with a comeback, it does alleviate the pressure for Mercedes to perform in the final races, which could be beneficial to the team.

Unlike their rivals, they will not be embroiled in championship squabbles, and potential friction between Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren could play perfectly into Mercedes’ hands.

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Furthermore, George Russell came close to a podium if not a win in Brazil before losing out to the red flag, and this performance potential should inspire Mercedes going forwards.

However, Hamilton was unable to extract the same performance from his W15, so how could he possibly lead a comeback with his current struggles and frustrations?

Perhaps the champion should look towards his own words for inspiration, which could give him that extra push to help turn Mercedes’ performances around at the end of the season.

November 15 marks the anniversary of Hamilton's seventh world title, and his celebration should be employed in his final races with Mercedes.

Lewis Hamilton achieved his seventh world title at the 2020 Turkish GP

“Nothing is impossible. A driving force for me this year has been to set an example for the next generation, to never give up on your dreams,” Hamilton said after winning the title.

“I was told by many that my dream was impossible, yet here I am. I want you to know that you can do it too.

“Never give up, keep fighting, and let’s keep rising to the occasion.”

If Hamilton adopts this attitude and invokes the sentiments of previous championship victories with Mercedes, he and the team could go out on a high in 2024.

Written by

Sheona Mountford - F1 Journalist

Sheona Mountford is a motorsport journalist specialising in F1. As a writer and contributor, she covers a wide range of motorsport series from F1 to F1 Academy, responsible for breaking news, live race coverage and in depth analysis of the sport and the culture around it.

View full biography

Red Bull Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes McLaren