Las Vegas GP: « I didn’t want to come back », Hamilton explains his statements in Brazil

Lewis Hamilton revealed that after a particularly challenging São Paulo Grand Prix, he had felt, at the time, **the desire not to come back** for the final races of the 2024 season. The one who will leave Mercedes for Ferrari next year, then explained his comments during the media day in Las Vegas.

The Briton could not do better than a tenth place in the main race and an eleventh position in the sprint race in Sao Paulo. On the radio, he had described the weekend as a disaster and the handling of his single-seater as the worst behavior the car has ever had.

Apparently frustrated, he had continued with an enigmatic remark suggesting that this could be the last time he was taking the wheel of the Mercedes. “If it’s the last time I can perform, it’s a shame that it’s not great, but I’m grateful,” he had said. A comment that had raised questions from the media and Formula 1 fans. Although the team initially tried to downplay these remarks, Hamilton confirmed that his feelings were genuine.

« At the time, that’s really what I was feeling. I didn’t want to come back after this weekend. I think it’s a natural reaction. It’s frustrating to have a season like this one, that I certainly won’t experience again, or at least, I will work to prevent it from happening again,” he clarified. Before adding, « It wasn’t a pleasant feeling at that time, but I’m here. I remain strong and I will give everything for these last races,” he stated.

This confession comes as some of Toto Wolff’s statements in the book Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane have raised eyebrows. When talking about the British driver, the team principal of Mercedes mentioned an expiration date, suggesting that he would have preferred the British champion to have chosen to move to Ferrari, thus avoiding the potential need to thank him later on.

Determined for the end of the season

In front of the media, Lewis Hamilton also took the opportunity to address certain comments frequently reported about him. « I’ve been in this sport for a long time. There have been so many things said about me, including micro-aggressions in the media. But nothing can bring me down. »

From now on, focusing on the end of the season, the British driver talked about the challenges awaiting him in Las Vegas. He remains realistic about his team’s opportunities. « It won’t be ideal for us. We’ve always had difficulties with tire temperatures. On a cold track like this, it’ll be a real challenge for everyone. » He also raised concerns about the track grip, which is open to regular traffic between F1 sessions.

Despite the difficulties encountered, the British driver is determined to finish his journey with Mercedes on a positive note. I have a team that I genuinely love, and even if I leave, I want to give them the best of myself in these final races.