Lewis Hamilton has faced a tough season with Mercedes, marked by a series of disappointing performances that raise questions about his car’s reliability and his future. His struggles became evident at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he qualified 14th and finished 10th, contrasting sharply with his teammate George Russell, who started from the front row and fought for a podium.
Following the race, Hamilton was blunt, calling it “crap” and “the worst the car has ever been.” His radio message even hinted at disappointment with the team’s struggles, sparking speculation about his future. Hamilton’s recent issues stem from ongoing difficulties with his car, which he’s battled since the summer. While he enjoyed some victories earlier in the season, his form has dipped significantly since the break, and his performance confidence seems shattered.
The last few seasons have also represented a marked shift in the way bookmakers have been setting up their odds. With a wealth of modernized iGaming platforms now, including crypto betting sites, players have more ways than ever to bet on Formula One. According to iGaming analyst Frank, these sites provide many perks like instant pay outs, secure block chain-based payment processes, and a wide variety of betting markets to choose from.
However, for Lewis Hamilton fans, it’s been a difficult last few seasons having to watch him never featuring among the favourites for races. To illustrate, his odds to win the first race in 2025 are currently +2800.
A particular issue lies in Hamilton’s discomfort with the car’s rear end, making it hard for him to feel stable and confident during races. When driving on the edge, he faces challenges with rear-end stability, especially in low-speed corners, which is where his time loss has been significant.
Data points and Hamilton’s setup troubles
Telemetry data comparing Hamilton and Russell’s performance in Brazil highlights these differences. Russell’s throttle application was steady and consistent, but Hamilton’s throttle control showed instability. Mercedes’ head of trackside engineering, Andrew Shovlin, commented on Hamilton’s setup struggles, noting the lack of rear grip.
Amid all the fanfare and tributes to Ayrton Senna, during Brazil’s sprint race, Hamilton’s setup problems only amplified the rear grip issues, especially during corner exits. This setup creates “snaps of oversteer” that cause high temperatures in the rear tires, worsening the lack of grip and further impacting his control.
Mercedes recently introduced an upgrade during the United States Grand Prix, intending to improve performance. However, it has seemingly added complexity to the car’s behavior. While the upgrade brought speed gains, it didn’t solve fundamental handling issues, especially in slow-speed corner sections where the W15 struggles the most.
Mercedes’ strategy to move forward
Despite the struggles, Russell’s stronger performances suggest the car has potential. Russell’s confidence in the setup has allowed him to maximize performance, showcasing the car’s ability under optimal conditions. For Hamilton, overcoming these challenges means refining his approach to the setup and finding a way to regain confidence in the car and ultimately beyond it, forgetting all of it as he gets ready for his highly anticipated move to Ferrari next year.
Hamilton’s recent comments show his frustration, but he remains committed to working with the team. He acknowledges the importance of accountability, both for himself and Mercedes and has intensified efforts to improve.
