Jenson Button Sets Record Straight on Lewis Hamilton Set-Up Conspiracy Theory
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Jenson Button addresses online conspiracy theories about Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes' 2024 F1 season, providing clarity on team dynamics and driver treatment. Read more on Hamilton’s future and Button’s insights.
Jenson Button Sets Record Straight on Lewis Hamilton Set-Up Conspiracy Theory
Button Shuts Down Online Conspiracy Theories About Mercedes and Hamilton
Sky F1’s Jenson Button has addressed the growing conspiracy theories surrounding Mercedes’ treatment of Lewis Hamilton in F1 2024, insisting that no team would purposely hinder their own driver’s performance. Button, a former teammate of Hamilton at McLaren, responded directly to accusations suggesting that Mercedes has intentionally slowed down the seven-time World Champion this season.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for the 2025 season, confirmed earlier this year, has placed him in an unusual situation: racing the entire 2024 season with Mercedes while knowing that his tenure with the team will end after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend. Despite strong performances with victories at Silverstone and Spa, Hamilton has struggled in qualifying conditions in 2024, with teammate George Russell often outperforming him on the grid.
Hamilton’s 2024 Struggles Fuel Conspiracy Theories
Hamilton's recent performances, particularly his penalties in Qatar—where he was penalized for a false start and speeding in the pit lane—have fueled online speculation. Some fans have raised concerns that Mercedes is intentionally holding back Hamilton to benefit Russell, who has been in top form, starting from pole position in the last two races.
Button Responds to Conspiracy Theories
In response to these rumors, Jenson Button firmly shut them down during a Sky F1 pundit appearance in Qatar. Button, who partnered Hamilton at McLaren for three seasons, clarified that no team would deliberately hinder a driver’s performance. He stated:
"No team wants any of their drivers to be slow. Never want them to be slow. Just so you know, Lewis Hamilton will be getting the same equipment. Sometimes teams will have a slight upgrade that goes on one car, especially for the driver that’s staying. It’s the same for Checo Perez as well. They want them to be quick."
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff Defends Hamilton
Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, has also weighed in on the conspiracy theories, calling fans who spread these rumors "idiots." Wolff criticized the toxic nature of social media and dismissed the claims as baseless. He emphasized that those who promote such theories have no real understanding of the sport, expressing frustration at the negativity surrounding Hamilton's final season with the team.
"I’ve never read comments. I just hear that this nonsense appears. You hide behind a screen and make these comments. They have no understanding. Probably never put a foot near a racing car. You need to show me some of that stuff, just for me to have a laugh."
Hamilton’s Farewell to Mercedes
As Hamilton prepares to leave Mercedes after the 2024 season, the team is planning several farewell events to honor his legendary career. Hamilton’s 2024 season will conclude at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and he will then visit Mercedes' headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, as well as the team’s factory in Brackley. Hamilton is also expected to bid farewell to the Mercedes workforce at the High Performance Powertrains engine division in Brixworth, the site that has supported him since his F1 debut in 2007.
Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari
Reports have confirmed that Hamilton will not be released early from his Mercedes contract to participate in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi. He is set to join Ferrari officially in 2025, with plans for his first day at Maranello being documented by the team. Additionally, Hamilton is likely to take a brief run at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track, though it remains unclear whether he will drive the 2022 or 2023 Ferrari car during this early preparation phase.
Conclusion: No Conspiracy, Just Racing
As Hamilton's tenure with Mercedes draws to a close, the focus should remain on his exceptional achievements in the sport, including six World Championships and over 100 Grand Prix wins. While the online speculation continues, both Button and Wolff have made it clear that Mercedes has not intentionally compromised Hamilton’s performance. The 2024 season will be remembered as a historic one for Hamilton, regardless of the final results, and his move to Ferrari promises to bring fresh excitement to Formula 1 in 2025.
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