Lewis Hamilton Reveals ‘Strain’ on Mercedes Relationship After Early Exit News
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Lewis Hamilton opens up about his emotional departure from Mercedes after announcing that 2024 will be his final season with the team. He shares insights into his relationship with Mercedes and the challenges of this season.
Lewis Hamilton Reveals ‘Strain’ on Mercedes Relationship After Early Exit News
Hamilton Announces Final Season with Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton has revealed that the announcement of his departure from Mercedes at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season created a significant strain on his relationship with the team. After informing Mercedes and team principal Toto Wolff about his decision, Hamilton admitted that it “took time” for the team to fully process the news.
On February 1st, 2024, it was made public that Hamilton would be leaving Mercedes after 12 years, marking the end of an era with the Silver Arrows. The seven-time World Champion will be joining Ferrari on a multi-year contract. However, his decision created a noticeable tension within the team, particularly in the initial stages of the season.
The Paintball Incident: A Tough Goodbye
The aftermath of Hamilton's announcement was felt immediately by his team. In a candid revelation, Hamilton shared that his pre-season paintballing session with his Mercedes colleagues didn’t go as planned. The paintballing event, held the day after Hamilton's meeting with Wolff, became a non-verbal way for the team to express their frustration about his decision to leave. Hamilton, who was hit with multiple shots and bruises, jokingly recalled, “I got lots of shots, loads of bruises, people went in on me that day.”
The situation was understandably difficult for both Hamilton and his team. Reflecting on the strain, he added, “It was straining on the relationship very early on. It took time for people to get over it, get past it.” The veteran driver acknowledged the emotional toll the situation had on everyone involved.
Emotional Struggles and Reflections on 2024 Season
This season has been an emotional journey for Hamilton, and he admitted that it was a tough year in more ways than one. While he entered the season hoping that the Mercedes W15 would provide the competitive edge needed to fight for the World Championship, it quickly became clear that Mercedes would not be able to challenge for the title in 2024. Despite breaking his 945-day winless streak with a victory at the British Grand Prix and securing a second-place finish in Belgium, the lows of the season have overshadowed those successes.
Hamilton's struggles with his car’s performance and his emotional response to the challenges were evident throughout the year. “It’s been a very emotional year for me, and I think I’ve not been at my best in handling, dealing with those emotions,” Hamilton reflected. “You’ve seen the worst of me and you’ve seen the best of me, and I’m not going to apologise for either, because I’m only human and I don’t always get it right.”
Acknowledging Imperfections and Embracing the Journey
Despite the difficulties, Hamilton emphasized that the highs of the season have far outweighed the negatives. He spoke about the positive relationships he built over the years with his Mercedes team, noting how deeply the emotions run in Formula 1, especially after spending so much time together through the highs and lows of a season.
"The good and the highs far outweigh the negatives and how I’ve handled it or behaved," Hamilton said. “I just remember the good times, built some incredible relationships.” He also reflected on the profound personal connections formed over his long career. "When you go through a season together with so many people, not only on those race weekends, you’re riding the highs and lows together, but in their personal lives, through marriages, through divorces, through loss of family members, through cancer, through all sorts, you’re going through these journeys with these people, so it’s a really beautiful journey you go on together." This emotional bond has made Hamilton’s departure even more difficult for both him and his colleagues.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter with Ferrari
As Hamilton prepares for the final stretch of his tenure with Mercedes, he remains focused on finishing the season strong. The 2024 season has presented significant challenges, but Hamilton’s outlook is positive as he looks to his future with Ferrari. The move to Ferrari represents a new chapter in his illustrious career, and the seven-time World Champion is eager to embrace the new opportunities that lie ahead.
Hamilton's legacy with Mercedes is undeniable, and despite the emotional farewell, he has expressed his gratitude for the incredible experiences and relationships that have shaped his F1 journey. As he transitions to Ferrari, Hamilton is determined to continue pursuing his passion for racing and achieving even more success in the coming years.
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