Lewis Hamilton Considered Premature Exit After Brazil GP Experience

• Lewis Hamilton candidly admitted that he considered a premature exit in the 2024 season.
• The seven-time world champion’s thoughts were fueled by his frustrations at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
• The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 W15’s mechanical and handling issues significantly hindered his performance at that time.

Lewis Hamilton Found His Car ‘Undriveable’

Reflecting back at the Sao Paulo race, Hamilton said that he found his car “undriveable.” He attributed this as a key reason for his Q1 exit during qualifying and tenth place at the following Sunday’s race. The Mercedes F1 driver also referred to the affair as “the bumpiest ride ever.”

The decorated F1 driver notably told his team over the radio in the aftermath of the disastrous event that it would be the last time he would get to perform, but still thanked the people at Mercedes F1 for their efforts. The press caught the entire conversation on cam, which led to a wild buzz post-race weekend.

However, Hamilton would eventually defend himself amid the media blitz. For him, it was a natural reaction as he felt disappointed regarding the prospect of ending his long tenure with his current team on a low note.

“In the moment, that’s how I felt. I didn’t really want to come back after that weekend, but I think that’s only natural,” he explained in an interview featured on the Formula 1 website.

Toto Wolff Comments on the Latest Hamilton Controversy

Amid the drama, the press asked Hamilton about Mercedes F1 CEO Toto Wolff’s controversial “shelf life” comment toward him in an earlier discussion with Matt Whyman. His boss previously remarked, “everyone has a shelf life,” which the media framed as his take on the departure of his star driver to Ferrari next season.

According to Wolff, many took his statement out of context. The Mercedes F1 boss clarified that he wasn’t referring to anyone in particular, and he was merely stating a sad reality that can also apply to him.

Hamilton responded that he “genuinely still loves” his current team. The driver assured Mercedes F1 and fans that he would “give it absolutely everything for the last few races.”