Lewis Hamilton has stated that he and his team are “mega-motivated” for the 2024 F1 season, which will be his final campaign with Mercedes before his switch to Ferrari in 2025. The Briton was speaking as the Silver Arrows launched their new car, the W15, at Silverstone.
A New Era for Mercedes
Given the struggles faced with its predecessors – the W13 and W14 – in 2022 and 2023, Mercedes have worked to dial out the inconsistencies of their previous challengers, as well as addressing what they have labelled as a “spiteful” rear-end. With his blockbuster move to the Scuderia on the horizon, Hamilton is hopeful that the challenges of recent years have helped Mercedes as they look to take the fight to their rivals in 2024.
Hamilton’s Emotional Reaction
Hamilton, 39, said it felt “surreal” to be taking part in the final car launch of his Mercedes career. “The last few weeks have obviously been emotional and it is very surreal to be here,” he said. “The focus through the whole of winter training is getting the team back to where we once were.”
Toto Wolff’s Ambition
Team principal Toto Wolff says that the W15 marks a “complete relaunch” for Mercedes for this season. “We know we have a mountain to climb to fight at the very front. There are no miracles in this sport,” Wolff said. “But our ambition and determination are strong. Since charting this new course, development has progressed well. We will soon see if we’ve made the step we’ve aimed for.”
Hamilton’s Final Mercedes Car Unveiled
Hamilton’s final Mercedes car, the W15, has been unveiled ahead of the 2024 F1 season. The new car features a new front wing concept and a lighter floor aimed at pushing the boundaries of the car’s performance.
Closing the Gap with Red Bull
Despite finishing a distant third, 17.8 seconds behind race winner Max Verstappen from Red Bull at the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix, Hamilton underscored the need for significant technical advancements to bridge the gap with leaders. “We’re slowly getting closer… We just have to have all hands on deck and keep pushing,” Hamilton explained after the race.
Peak Performance Achieved?
Hamilton provided insight into the constraints of the current car setup, calling it “peaky”. Despite recent updates to the W15, Hamilton expressed concerns about the car’s capacity to improve further under the existing configuration. “No, I think that’s the maximum it’s got at the moment. But we’re always fine-tuning it with subtle changes that we make.”
Japanese Grand Prix Success
In the wake of a somewhat tumultuous start to the 2024 Formula 1 season, Lewis Hamilton has expressed newfound confidence in the Mercedes W15 following a particularly encouraging qualifying round at the Japanese Grand Prix. Hamilton’s recent performance indicates a notable upswing in both his and the team’s grasp of the vehicle’s development and potential.
A Turning Point for Mercedes
The recent weekend in Japan marked a turning point, with Hamilton expressing renewed optimism about the direction of the Mercedes W15’s development. Notably, Hamilton managed to secure a position in the top five during practice sessions and earned a seventh-place start for the race—his highest qualifying position of the year, surpassing his teammate George Russell for the first time this season.
A New Chapter Ahead
The W15 will be the 12th and final Mercedes that Lewis Hamilton will drive for the team ahead of his blockbuster move to Ferrari for next season. Hamilton will again race alongside teammate George Russell for the third and final year.
Stay tuned for more updates on Lewis Hamilton’s journey with Mercedes in the 2024 F1 season!
FAQ’S
Q: Will Lewis Hamilton win more races with Mercedes?
A: Yes, according to Jacques Villeneuve, Lewis Hamilton still has the fire in his belly to perform and will likely win more races with Mercedes.
Q: What is Lewis Hamilton's goal for the rest of the season?
A: Lewis Hamilton is hopeful that Mercedes' next raft of car upgrades will soon allow them to reproduce their stellar front-running British GP form on a regular basis.
Q: How does Lewis Hamilton feel about the Hungarian Grand Prix?
A: Lewis Hamilton is buoyant and excited about the Hungarian Grand Prix, seeking a record-increasing ninth Hungaroring victory and Mercedes' third consecutive win of the season.
Q: What is Lewis Hamilton's current mindset?
A: Lewis Hamilton feels that the car is starting to really come alive and feel great, and he can't wait to get back on the track.
Q: Will Lewis Hamilton leave Mercedes after this season?
A: Yes, Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes for Ferrari at the age of 40.
