Lewis Hamilton‘s weekend at the Brazilian Grand Prix was one of the most disappointing in his long racing career. What should have been a highlight turned into a nightmare, reflecting his tough 2024 season, with British media quick to criticize him after the race in Sao Paulo.
Arriving at the Brazilian Grand Prix with 189 points, Hamilton was ahead of George Russell but far from satisfied due to struggles with his W15 car. Despite hopes of honoring Ayrton Senna by driving his iconic McLaren, Hamilton faced challenges from the start.
The weekend took a downturn when he was knocked out in SQ2 during sprint qualifying, failing to climb up and score points. Things worsened when he couldn’t advance past Q1 in the main qualifying session, ending up 16th—an unusual spot for someone of his caliber.
Questions Arise: Sabotage or Slump?
Before the main race even began, criticism poured in, with the Daily Mail describing his performance as “one of the most remarkable flops.” They speculated whether Mercedes was sabotaging him or if something else was amiss. Fans might wonder if this is truly the end of an era for Hamilton.
Even a big move to Ferrari next year might not secure that elusive eighth world title, causing concern for some at Ferrari. Yet, Hamilton showed some grit during Sunday’s race, battling through chaos and rain to finish in P10 and grab a single point.
However, after crossing the finish line, Hamilton made puzzling comments over team radio. He lamented about the weekend being disastrous and hinted at possibly quitting before season’s end: “That was a disaster of a weekend guys. That is the worst the car has ever been. If this is the last time that I get to perform, it’s a shame it wasn’t great, but grateful for you.”
The Telegraph also focused on his performance in Brazil, questioning if Ferrari had signed someone past their prime. While they admitted it’s too early for such conclusions, they acknowledged it as a “valid question.” They reminded readers that Hamilton has earned his chance to prove himself again.
Reflecting on Mercedes’ decline since 2021 is surprising; Hamilton finished third last year behind Red Bull’s dominance. But 2024 has been rough—perhaps knowing he’s leaving for Ferrari affects him or maybe there’s an unseen reason? Only time will tell what unfolds in 2025.
What do you think about all this?
