Will Hamilton be a million dollar flop for Ferrari?

“Don’t you have any better questions?” Lewis Hamilton was upset when he was asked a sweet question by a journalist after the Japanese Grand Prix. He apologized, but the Mercedes star had had enough and left the interview early.

The reporter wanted to know from the 39-year-old Brit if he was jealous of Ferrari’s performance. But Hamilton did not want to comment on his future employer;

Seventh place in Bahrain, ninth in Saudi Arabia, retirement in Australia, ninth in Japan – the record Formula 1 world champion’s start to the season can be described as mixed, to say the least.

In Suzuka he started from seventh place, but in the end he had to settle for just two points. Mercedes – or so it seems after the first race – seems to have lost touch. While the German racing team finished second in the constructors’ championship last year, it is currently only fourth – and just ahead of Aston Martin.

After the Suzuka GP, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff spoke about the “direct tests” that were carried out during the race. After the first poor result, the team deviated from the originally planned strategy of stopping immediately. From this time they were “competitors for the podium”.

Because that’s where Wolff sees himself. Red Bull close to the three-time world champion Max Verstappen is out of reach of the long-time industry leader, but behind them they want to be there with the music. But you are not now.

Looking at Hamilton’s success also raises questions. Because the world record champion has been beaten by his teammate in every race of his farewell season where he crossed the finish line.

Russell, who finished seventh at Suzuka, seems to be coping with the tire-demanding Mercedes better than his partner, who is 13 years his senior. He already finished fifth in Bahrain, P6 in Saudi Arabia and, like Hamilton, dropped out in Australia.

A scene from the 13th lap of the Japanese race also seemed strange: Hamilton asked his team over the radio if he would let Russell pass – and he did so a little later. An event that he could not imagine in earlier times. You may ask yourself the question: Is Hamilton still full of ambition? Or is his mind already in Maranello?

After the race, the Brit himself spoke about the “minor damage” he suffered during an over-maneuver against Charles Leclerc. However, he also said: “Overall, the car was very bad today.” After qualifying it sounded completely different. Hamilton praised the Silver Arrow openly and said: “It feels better than it has in three years.”

Next year everything will be different for Hamilton. He then wants to attack for his eighth world title with the Scuderia. And yet, given the current situation, some Italian fans may wonder if the deal that was celebrated with joy a few weeks ago might not turn into a million-dollar grave.

According to media reports, Hamilton will receive more than 50 million euros a year at Ferrari, and the three-year contract will make the 39-year-old the highest-paid driver in Formula 1 history.

With this, Ferrari chases Carlos Sainz from the field. It’s just a shame that the 29-year-old Spaniard is currently in the best form of his life so far. Sainz is just behind team-mate Charles Leclerc in the drivers’ standings, but has also finished one less race than Monegasse, who is considered the Scuderia’s favourite. Because Sainz was out of action in Saudi Arabia after a booster operation.

Two weeks ago in Australia, the former Red Bull Junior was even able to celebrate his third career win after Verstappen’s brakes failed shortly after the start.

Did Ferrari fire the wrong driver? Or should it be better to keep both? It is undeniable that the name Hamilton gives the team from Maranello more shine and marketing income. From a sporting perspective and from the perspective of a monster contract for the soon-to-be 40-year-old, doubts about his usefulness are growing.

But Hamilton still has plenty of plans for his current team in his off season. The seven-time world champion has never been known for avoiding trouble. He won’t do it this time either.