Lewis Hamilton admitted that following a frustrating Brazilian Grand Prix, where he finished a disappointing tenth and earned just one point from the Sprint weekend, he briefly considered walking away from Mercedes. After the race, the seven-time world champion sent a cryptic message over the team radio, leading many to wonder if the Briton was contemplating the end of his Formula 1 career.
“If this is the last time I get to perform, it was a shame it wasn’t great,” Hamilton said, adding, “but I am grateful for you.”
Speaking two weeks later in Las Vegas, Hamilton opened up about his feelings after the race. “In the moment, that’s how I felt,” he explained to reporters. “I didn’t really want to come back after that weekend. But I think that’s only natural. It’s frustrating when you have a season like this, and I’m pretty sure I won’t have one like it again, or at least I’ll work towards not having one like this again.”
He continued, reflecting on his current mindset: “It wasn’t a great feeling in that moment, but I’m here, I’m standing strong, and I’m going to give it absolutely everything for these last few races.”
Hamilton was also asked about comments made by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who recently spoke in a book about how he would eventually welcome Hamilton’s departure, suggesting all drivers have a “shelf life.” Wolff even expressed that he wasn’t looking forward to the day he would need to drop the iconic driver.
Hamilton, however, appeared undeterred, responding, “Honestly, I feel in the best place I’ve been all year mentally. Considering how bad the last race was, I think that says enough.”
He emphasized his continued commitment, saying, “I’m still here, still fighting, and I’m going to continue to push. I’ve got a team that I genuinely still love, and even though I am leaving, I want to make sure I give them the best I can in these next races. If they provide a car that stays on track, then hopefully we’ll have a better result.”
Hamilton’s comments underline his resilience and determination to finish the season on a high, despite the challenges he has faced throughout 2024.
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