Lewis Hamilton has had a fairly miserable season with Mercedes in 2024, but he has had some moments that show why he is a seven-time world champion.
The Brit has not been able to extract the best out of his Mercedes machinery in the ground effect era, leaving him frustrated multiple times in recent years.
The W15 in 2024 has shown some signs of performance as Hamilton claimed victory at the British Grand Prix and Belgian Grand Prix – his first wins since 2021. But for the most part, the 39-year-old has struggled to be competitive.
The Sao Paulo Grand Prix was a new low for Hamilton, as he was eliminated in Q1 in qualifying and could only manage 10th in the race. The Brit was heard over his radio suggesting that he may not return for the final three races – confirming this was how he really felt at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Karun Chandhok says it’s ‘nice to see’ Lewis Hamilton’s sudden confidence at the Las Vegas Grand Prix
Karun Chandhok was ‘genuinely confused’ by Hamilton’s comments as the Brit seems to have truly lost faith in his Mercedes machinery. Peter Windsor thinks Mercedes have lost confidence in Hamilton as his performances have not been up to scratch compared to his teammate George Russell.
But speaking on Sky Sports F1 during FP2 in Las Vegas, Chandhok was loving what he saw from Hamilton.
The Brit topped the time sheets in FP1 and set the pace again in FP2, with Russell also inside the top three in both sessions.
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Martin Brundle had to take a ‘step back’ after seeing Hamilton in practice as he was left stunned by the pace the Mercedes carried into turn three.
With the Brackley-based outfit’s speed looking strong in Las Vegas so far, Chandhok said it was ‘nice to see’ Hamilton have confidence in his machine – something which has been rare this season.
“Hamilton, there’s a confidence in the way he’s driving this car that I feel we haven’t seen, we haven’t seen in Brazil,” said the Sky F1 pundit.
“He wasn’t hustling and attacking the corners in this way and this is nice to see and to be able to drive like this.”
How will Lewis Hamilton perform at Ferrari?
Hamilton was hoping to end his 12 incredible years with Mercedes on a high, but it looks like this record-breaking partnership will go out on a whimper.
The Brit is sat seventh in the drivers’ standings with three races to go – his lowest position in a championship in his career. Teammate Russell has outperformed him for much of the season, leading 15-6 in the qualifying battle and 13-8 in the races.
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Many will be hoping Hamilton can achieve good results in the last few events, but his lack of confidence in Mercedes has been clear to see throughout the season.
His move to Ferrari next year will offer a fresh start and a chance to reignite the form he has lost with his old team principal Frederic Vasseur from his junior career and new teammate Charles Leclerc.
Peter Windsor doubts Hamilton will follow Sebastian Vettel’s path at Ferrari as he looks to create his own destiny with the Maranello outfit, with them looking set to compete with McLaren and Red Bull this season.
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