Has Lewis Hamilton Given Up on His Final F1 Season with Mercedes?

Lewis Hamilton’s final season with Mercedes is proving to be a challenging one, with the seven-time world champion experiencing a significant downturn in form. Despite his best efforts, Hamilton has amassed only 27 points in the first six races of the season, a far cry from his usual dominance.

As Hamilton prepares to depart Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of the year, there are questions about his mindset and motivation for the remainder of the season. While he has stated his commitment to ending his tenure with Mercedes on a high note, the results on track tell a different story.

Hamilton’s best finish so far this season came in sixth place at the Miami Grand Prix, highlighting the struggles Mercedes has faced under the new technical regulations introduced in 2022. With Mercedes yet to win a race under the current rules, Hamilton’s hopes of a fairytale ending with the team seem slim.

The shift in competitive dynamics has led to speculation about Hamilton’s attitude towards the remainder of the season. Some observers believe he may already be looking ahead to his new challenge at Ferrari and simply aiming to enjoy his final races with Mercedes.

Hamilton’s response to on-track incidents, such as his calm demeanor during a tense battle with Kevin Magnussen in Miami, suggests a relaxed approach to the challenges he faces. Rather than dwelling on frustrations or setbacks, Hamilton appears focused on making the most of his remaining time with Mercedes.

“I think that’s pretty honest of him and pretty cool,” Hamilton said after he was informed that Magnussen claimed the 35-second worth of penalties he tallied for his driving were “well deserved”.

“We had a good race, it was a little on the edge in some places. That’s what I love, I love racing hard. And for me, I wasn’t really frustrated or anything, that’s what you do to work as a team.”

While the prospect of another world title with Mercedes may seem unlikely, Hamilton’s relaxed attitude could be seen as a pragmatic acceptance of the circumstances. As he prepares to embark on a new chapter with Ferrari, Hamilton’s final season with Mercedes remains a special and significant moment in his illustrious career.