Major Hamilton decision made after F1 AXE threat…..read more
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, has been recognized with an award from F1 fans, acknowledging his status as one of the sport’s most fortunate drivers in 2024. This comes after what has been described as one of the most challenging seasons of his illustrious career, following his high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari.
At the start of the 2024 season, Hamilton made headlines by announcing his departure from Mercedes, a team with which he achieved unparalleled success. During his time with the Silver Arrows, Hamilton secured six of his seven world titles and amassed an impressive 84 Grand Prix victories. His move to Ferrari was widely viewed as a bold step, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter with the iconic Italian team. The decision was seen as a significant shake-up in the F1 world, considering Ferrari’s historical prestige and Hamilton’s status as one of the sport’s greatest drivers.
However, the 2024 season did not go as planned for Hamilton. Struggles with performance, both individually and at the team level, led to one of the most disappointing campaigns of his career. In the intra-team battle at Ferrari, Hamilton was decisively outpaced by his younger teammate, George Russell. Across the season, Russell dominated Hamilton in qualifying sessions, securing a 19-5 head-to-head advantage. In the drivers’ standings, Hamilton finished seventh, trailing behind Russell, who ended the season in a much stronger position.
Despite these setbacks, Hamilton’s long-term contract with Ferrari shielded him from any immediate threat of losing his seat. At the start of 2024, Ferrari had demonstrated their confidence in Hamilton’s abilities by offering him a multi-year deal, effectively ensuring his place within the team regardless of the season’s outcome. This security quelled any speculation about Hamilton facing an early exit from the sport or being dropped by his new team due to his underwhelming performances.
F1 fans took notice of Hamilton’s fortunate circumstances. In an end-of-season poll conducted by GPFans, readers voted Hamilton as the “luckiest driver on the grid” for 2024. This recognition reflects the combination of his enduring reputation as a racing legend and the career security afforded by his Ferrari contract, despite a season that fell short of expectations.
Hamilton’s status as a motorsport icon remains undisputed. His contributions to Formula 1, both on and off the track, have cemented his place in history. However, the 2024 season served as a stark reminder that even the most successful athletes can face significant challenges. For Hamilton, the transition to Ferrari presented numerous obstacles, including adapting to a new team environment, different car dynamics, and heightened competition from Russell.
As the dust settles on the 2024 season, Hamilton’s focus will undoubtedly shift to regrouping and preparing for the next campaign. Ferrari, too, will be aiming to address the issues that plagued their performance and provide Hamilton with a car capable of competing at the front of the grid. The partnership between Hamilton and Ferrari still holds great potential, and fans around the world will be eager to see if the combination can deliver success in the seasons to come.
While the season may not have gone as hoped, Hamilton’s resilience and ability to bounce back have been proven time and time again throughout his career. With the support of Ferrari and his loyal fanbase, the seven-time champion will aim to silence critics and reclaim his position among Formula 1’s elite drivers.
