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Lewis Hamilton Reveals Mercedes Is “Going Backwards” After Shock Ferrari Move

Published 02/23/2024, 2:29 PM EST

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With Season 6 of Drive to Survive out, many behind-the-scenes footage of the 2023 season is coming to light. A lot of pressing issues that have been going on within Mercedes are now out in the open. Hamilton’s exit after the 2024 season to Ferrari might have seemed shocking, but with more information being revealed, things are starting to make sense.

Mercedes is not the all-dominating team that it used to be and it’s no secret. From being one of the top 2 teams in the last decade, they are finding themselves falling into the mid-field. Teams that have not won a single title in the last decade are overtaking Mercedes in the Constructors Cup and Toto Wolff is not happy. This season is very crucial for the whole team as this will be the last year Lewis Hamilton will be driving for them. And in the first episode of Drive to Survive’s latest season, Hamilton speaks about the direction the team is heading.

Why Lewis Hamilton is not happy with Mercedes?

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Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are two names that fit together like a glove. But after seeing what went down back in 2023, things started to get clear why the 7-time world champion left the team. The episode shows a conversation between Hamilton and Wolff about how the W14 felt during testing. During the test run, the billion-dollar man said, “We got some serious work to do to close the gap.”

via Reuters

Frustrated with the results, Toto Wolff exclaimed, “What a fuxking (bad) performance. I don’t know what we fuxked up on.” F1 journalist Lawrence Barretto asked Hamilton about him finding hope by chasing Carlos Sainz, to this Hamilton said, “We can’t fight them at the moment, they were much quicker than us today. As were the Astons.”

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Ending the statement with Barretto, the Briton said, “So we’re the fourth-fastest team now, as opposed to the third last year. Yeah, we’re going backwards” Formula One is a fast sport and the only direction to move is ahead. Knowing that Mercedes has lost its edge over itself, is the reason Hamilton decided to move to a team that can do him justice by giving him a car that performs. But then, why choose Ferrari and not Red Bull?

Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari vs Red Bull

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While Carlos Sainz is being replaced in Ferrari due to his contract not being renewed, there is also Sergio Perez, who has not confirmed his seat with the Bulls post this season. But the truth in the situation is, that although Red Bull cars are at their best for the moment, it is Ferrari’s legacy that Hamilton wants to experience.

via Reuters

Following in the footsteps of his idol whom he holds a tie for the most World Championships in F1 history, Hamilton has wanted to join Ferrari and race in the team Michael Schumacher brought home multiple victories. Ferrari is also ready to give the driver everything he wants, from a higher salary to a $400 million brand ambassador deal. 

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On the other hand, it’s quite obvious why Lewis Hamilton would not go to Red Bull. As they say “There can only be one world champion in one team,” and while that saying is all talks, no team will gain anything by putting two of the biggest competitors together. Currently, the 39-year-old driver is on a mission to beat Max Verstappen and steal back the World Champion title, and joining them will be opposite to what he wants.

That being said, do you think Ferrari will be able to do justice to Lewis Hamilton? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Written by:

Viren Mirpuri

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Viren Mirpuri is an F1 Writer at EssentiallySports. With a Degree in Mass Media and a Specialization in Journalism, Viren is known for his speedy race day coverage outside of discussing the engine technicalities. Whether he's dissecting the latest technical innovations or unraveling the drama on and off the track, he ensures that his readers stay engaged and informed.
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Edited by:

Bilal Handoo