British media slam Hamilton in Brazil: "One of the most remarkable flops"
General
Lewis Hamilton's performance throughout the weekend a the Brazilian Grand Prix could be tagged as one of the worst in his 18-year Formula 1 career. What was meant to be one of his favoured weekends in a country that has adopted him turned into a nightmare, a fitting way to sum up a disastrous 2024 season. As a result, there has been a lot of criticism for the Brit by his own media after the Grand Prix weekend in Sao Paulo.
Hamilton came into the Brazilian Grand Prix at 189 points, ahead of teammate George Russell, but nowhere near where he wants to be, struggling with an inconsistent and troubling W15. However, with the thought of driving the 1990 champion-winning McLaren of his icon Ayrton Senna in a touching tribute, there was potential for him to find his form again and impress the amazing fans of Sao Paulo.
However, even before the tribute, problems began for the 39-year-old. An SQ2 elimination in sprint qualifying put a dampener on his weekend straight away, and he was not even able to move up any positions to challenge for the points. It then went from bad to worse, not even making out of Q1 in qualifying for the Grand Prix, with a 16th place all the great Lewis Hamilton could muster in his W15.
"Either Hamilton is being sabotaged by Mercedes or something is seriously wrong"
Even before the Grand Prix took place, it was a disastrous weekend, and it was one that saw the Daily Mail write scathingly about the Brit. "Hamilton's contrasting form was one of the most remarkable flops I have witnessed," said the newspaper, continuing on by suggesting that Hamilton might not regain his form ever again: "Either Hamilton is being sabotaged by Mercedes or something is seriously wrong with him."
If that is the case, even his massive move to Ferrari for 2025 may not lead him to his eighth world title, and that could worry some people at the Scuderia. However, there was some racing shown by Hamilton during Sunday's Grand Prix, working his way through the chaos and the rain to get up to P10 and take the last points-paid position.
But during the cool-down lap, after the chequered flag fell, there were some bizarre comments from the 39-year-old over the team, almost hinting that he may quit before the season is done: "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 zoomed in on Hamilton's race in Brazil. They asked the question in the headline: "Have Ferrari signed a busted flush?". The British paper acknowledged that it is premature to make that conclusion, but it is a "valid question". The Telegraph concluded by saying Hamilton has earned the right to prove himself after all the years of success.
After the 2021 season, I'm sure no one saw this downward spiral from Mercedes, and in 2024, it has been a huge spiral out of control for Hamilton. Just last season, he finished third in the drivers' championship behind a dominating Red Bull Racing team, showing he still has the pace that is needed. That has been long gone in 2024. That could be due to knowing he is leaving for Ferrari after this season, or perhaps there is a deeper reason that lies unseen? The only answer we will have to that question will come in the form of the 2025 season.
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