Lewis Hamilton Admits To Mercedes Quit Thoughts After Brazil

2024 Brazilian Grand Prix, Sunday - Lewis Hamilton
2024 Brazilian Grand Prix, Sunday - Lewis Hamilton
2024 Brazilian Grand Prix, Sunday - Lewis Hamilton
2024 Brazilian Grand Prix, Sunday - Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton admits he really did think about quitting Mercedes immediately on the slow-down lap after the recent Brazilian GP.

Fans were alarmed when they heard the Ferrari-bound-in-2025 driver tell his team on the radio: “If this is the last time that I get to perform, it’s a shame it wasn’t great, but grateful for you.”

Afterwards, the 39-year-old said he “could happily go and take a holiday”.

Mercedes immediately rejected reports that the seven time world champion was serious, but Hamilton admitted in Las Vegas on Wednesday: “In the moment, that’s how I felt. Like I didn’t really want to come back after that weekend.”

While teammate George Russell has also struggled at times with Mercedes’ 2024 car, Hamilton’s problems have been more severe. “If they provide a car that wants to stay on track, hopefully we’ll have a better result here,” he said.

There are also signs of tension between Hamilton and Toto Wolff, particularly after the Mercedes team boss referred to the British driver’s “shelf-life” in a newly released book.

Hamilton insists the comments didn’t affect him.

“No. I think just me being here, standing tall – I feel strong,” he said. “I’ve been around this game for a long time. There’s been so many things said about me – so many microaggressions.

“I’m not saying from my boss, because he’s been supportive over all these years and we’ve achieved a lot together. I mean in general. But nothing can take me down, so I’m still here, I’m still fighting.”

Wolff said on Thursday that he and Hamilton have already cleared the air.

“One rule that we established very early in our relationship is that we talk immediately and say ‘why did you say that?’ or ‘what did you mean?’ and that is what we have done,” said the Austrian.

As for whether Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur has reason to be concerned Hamilton’s current form might carry over into 2025, the winner of a record 105 grands prix insisted he is “pretty sure” he will never have another season like 2024.

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

More in News

F1 Lewis Hamilton Tests Fiorano 01/2025

Lewis Hamilton Turns First Laps As A Ferrari Driver

An eagerly awaited debut in a red car for one ...
Formula 1 2024: Abu Dhabi Gp

Haas Confirms Magnussen’s F1 Roles For 2025

The Haas Formula 1 team has confirmed reports that Kevin ...
Formula 1 2024: United States Gp

Haas Will Race Tweaked 2024 Car This Season

Many Formula 1 teams will effectively race 2024-specification cars this ...
Kevin Magnussen 'at Peace' With Doubtful Future On F1 Grid

Kevin Magnussen Didn’t Chase F1 Contract For 2025

Kevin Magnussen insists he is perfectly happy to once again ...
Lewis Hamilton Maranello 2025 V2 B7fde8a6 2c0f 4650 A3b4 0cc52573a944

All Eyes On Lewis Hamilton’s First Ferrari Test

Hotel rooms are fully booked in the region surrounding Ferrari's ...

Trending on F1 Chronicle