Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes): “So we have to talk” / Formula 1

We have seen this a few times in Formula 1 in recent years: Even before the start of the GP season, it becomes clear which star will change the team in an impressive way. On February 1 it was announced: Lewis Hamilton will compete in his last season in the service of Mercedes in 2024 and then move to Ferrari.

After the first moments of surprise, it occurred to me: “Then Lewis can spend a year listening to questions not only about Mercedes, but also about Ferrari.” This is the phase we are in now, and Hamilton has been looking angry for a long time.

After a disappointing ninth place at the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka and the inevitable further question about Ferrari, the seven-time champion shouted “Don’t you have better questions?” – he went.

Hamilton still can’t go to Mercedes. The question arises for him and team boss Toto Wolff: How should the partnership be when it is clear that the 103-time GP winner is moving to Ferrari? When and how will he be cut off from the flow of information?

Lewis Hamilton has admitted about this issue: “I’ve never been in this situation so early in the season, so we have to talk, Toto and I. I’ve only changed teams once before, from McLaren to Mercedes, but that decision in 2012 came too late.”

Then-Mercedes employee Niki Lauda was able to convince Hamilton in a hotel room in Singapore that Lewis switch brands with the star.

Lewis Hamilton says honestly: “I still don’t know how to deal with this situation.”

“But what I know is that I want to say goodbye to Mercedes as successfully as possible. I put all my energy into it. Nobody can hide the fact that we are in a difficult situation, but now it is only my job to resolve the situation.”

“I am and I will remain a runner, and I want to get back in shape to win races. Just thinking about next season won’t help me.”

Lewis Hamilton’s last GP win was an incredible 866 days ago, with victory in Saudi Arabia on December 5, 2021.

Hamilton has won six times in China, in 2008 and 2011 with McLaren, in 2014/2015 and 2017 and 2019 with Mercedes-Benz.

Japan-GP, Suzuka Circuit

01. Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, 1:54:23,566 h
02. Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, +12.535 seconds
03. Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, +20,866
04. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, +26,522
05. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, +29.700
06. Fernando Alonso (E), Aston Martin, +44,272
07. George Russell (GB), Mercedes, +45,951
08. Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, +47.525
09. Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, +48,626
10. Yuki Tsunoda (J), Racing Bulls, +1 Round
11. Nico Hülkenberg (D), Haas, +1 lap
12. Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, +1 Round
13. Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas, +1 Lap
14. Valtteri Bottas (FIN), clean, +1 lap
15. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, +1 Round
16. Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, +1 Round
17. Logan Sargeant (USA), Williams, +1 Round
outside
Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Sauber, Elektrik
Alex Albon (T), Williams, Crash
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), Racing Bull, Crash

World Championship Standings (after 4 out of 24 Grands Prix)

the driver
01. Verstappen 77 points
02. Perez 64
03. Leclerc 59
04. Sainz 55
05. Norris 37
06. Plate 32
07. Russell 24
08. Alonso 24
09. Hamilton 10
10. Walk 7
11. Tsunoda 7
12. Oliver Bearman (GB) 6
13. Hulkenberg 3
14. Magnussen 1
15. Alboni 0
16. Zhou 0
17. Ricciardo 0
18. Okon 0
19. 0 gas
20. Bota 0
21. Sergeant 0

Builders Cup
01. Red Bull Racing 141 Punkte
02. Ferrari 120
03. McLaren 69
04. Mercedes 34
05. Aston Martin 33
06. Running Bull 7
07. Especially 4
08. Williams 0
09. Sauber 0
10. Alpine 0