F1 News
Hamilton admits he nearly QUIT Mercedes early after disaster in Brazil
Lewis Hamilton admitted that he nearly quit Mercedes early after the disappointing results during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend. The seven-time World Champion will move to Ferrari for the 2025 season but nearly walked out on his current team three races before his scheduled departure.
Hamilton failed to reach Q3 in conditions in which he normally excels. He scored just one point in the Grand Prix and finished 50 seconds behind race winner Max Verstappen. While returning to the pitlane after the event, he sent a confusing message over the Mercedes team radio. "If this is the last time I get to perform, it was a shame it wasn't great, but [I am] grateful for you," Hamilton told Mercedes.
Speaking to the media in Brazil, Hamilton said the end to his Mercedes career "can't come soon enough" and that he was looking forward to Christmas. After a two-week break, Hamilton returned to the F1 paddock in Las Vegas and explained these comments.
Did Hamilton nearly quit Mercedes early?
"I mean, in the moment that's how I felt, like 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, which I'm pretty sure I won't have again, or at least I'll work towards not having again," Hamilton is quoted by Sky Sports.
Hamilton has three Grands Prix left before he leaves Mercedes. The 39-year-old has been with the team since the 2013 season and has been using Mercedes engines since he made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007. Hamilton reports he has been able to hit the refresh button during the break ahead of the final triple-header in 2024.
"Naturally, in the moment I didn’t feel great, obviously with that last race. But obviously, I’ve had an amazing last week with lots of great projects I’m working on, including the F1 movie. There’s a lot going on. Obviously, I’ve got a collection here with Tyler The Creator. That’s what makes those things important, to be able to rebound from weekends like [Brazil]. Heat of the moment, sure – I’d much rather be on the beach, chilling. I don’t need to do this," Hamilton told GPblog and others in Las Vegas.
"But I’m here, and I love this job still. I’m here to absolutely give it my all these last few races, and finish out strong, and that was always the plan," he concluded. Mercedes are stuck in fourth place in the Constructors' Championship. Hamilton's teammate George Russell leapfrogged him in the Drivers' Championship last time out. Meanwhile, his future Italian team are fighting against Red Bull and McLaren to win the World Championship.