There has always been some sort of tension between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, a consequence of the F1 adage of your teammate being your biggest competitor. There were a lot of nuances to their relationship, but it is amicable. Now, however, with George Russell getting comfortable as the number one driver of the team, the question looming is whether Mercedes will neglect their erstwhile favorite or worse, destroy him.
These thoughts were catalyzed by Hamilton’s statements post a disappointing qualifying session in Monaco. The Ferrari-bound driver not only revealed that only his teammate got the upgrades this race but also made a telling remark about his situation at Mercedes.
After being out-qualified by his teammate for the seventh time this season, Hamilton revealed to the press, “I anticipated it would be difficult to outqualify George because he has the upgraded component but it’s great to see we are bringing upgrades.” While there seemed to be a glimmer of hope in his voice, the mood shifts.
Lewis Hamilton says he doesn’t anticipate being ahead of George in qualifying this year. Rachel asks “why all year?” and he just shrugs and says “we’ll see.” pic.twitter.com/4ArWQqIz1K
— deni (@fiagirly) May 25, 2024
To Sky Sports, a disgruntled Hamilton then said, “I don’t anticipate being ahead of George in qualifying this year.” When asked why Hamilton predicted it to be all year, a shrug and a telling smile would’ve been enough, but he added, “We’ll see.”
But the damage was done. The fans understood the subliminal message Hamilton put out, if any. Safe to say, they are angry. Hamilton is usually all about his team and enjoys being a beacon of positivity. This side of him could only mean something is up.
Lewis Hamilton fans try to find answers
Was Lewis Hamilton hinting that Mercedes is sabotaging him? No one will know. But the tone that was conveyed to the fans took its tune. Seeing their driver hurt, the fans were angry.
People don’t realise how strong those words he is saying are.
It says everything you need to know about Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team. https://t.co/QjNck3DWPt
— ً (@tsimiks) May 25, 2024
Mercedes-…Mercedes when I catch you. I said WHEN I CATCH YOU, you better count your days and hope a miracle happens tomorrow that’ll put a smile back on Lewis’ face. pic.twitter.com/7j6QsX9LWP
— Solanine♀️☀️ (@u_thandi_) May 25, 2024
Many also prayed for revenge. Hamilton recently admitted that he’s still relaying information to his team that could help them well into the future. Maybe he should stop?
i hope lewis sabotages mercedes back by telling them the wrong things for the 2025 car
pic.twitter.com/lDtITJ9Bs3— فاطمة (@queenfq33) May 25, 2024
While there was anger and frustration, there was also sympathy and worry.
he’s talked about doubting himself in the past a few times so im starting to get kind of concerned here for him man https://t.co/FATz324O9Z
— smae (@hamiltonista) May 25, 2024
And so the question remains: Is Mercedes really working against the driver who’s given them his every being? While it’s not impossible, one can hope that Hamilton’s predictions for his year ahead are wrong.