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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIa: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP and Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff on stage for the F1 Live event during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on March 13, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIa: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP and Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff on stage for the F1 Live event during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on March 13, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Imagine being a seven-time world champion, finding yourself in an unfamiliar mid-pack, struggling with a non-competitive car, and potentially dealing with some team friction. That’s the predicament of Lewis Hamilton, the Mercedes man, as he gears up for the British Grand Prix.
Hamilton’s irritation is clear. During the race, he expressed his discontent, exclaiming, “This car is slow!”, yet his concerns weren’t resolved. Toto Wolff came on the radio and said, “The car is bad, we know. Please drive it.” This was followed by a disheartening eighth place in the Austrian Grand Prix. And an F1 pundit has some firm opinion on Toto Wolff’s comments.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 18, 2023. Montreal, Quebec, CAN. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton (GBR) stands on the podium after finishing third of the. Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
Renowned F1 analyst Peter Windsor elaborates in his latest video: “If anything is going to drive Lewis crazy, it’s going to be things like that. Because, among other reasons, he wants to enjoy his racing now that there’s not much else to do, considering he won’t be winning since the car isn’t very good.”
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Windsor then explains: “He’s got the British Grand Prix coming up, you know. It’s his race so at least just let him enjoy it, even if he’s midfield. But if you’re going to be spoken to like that by your team principal, it’s not really fun, is it?”
With Hamilton’s future at Mercedes dependent on the car’s performance, rumors already swirling about a potential move. But as the British Grand Prix looms, can Hamilton find joy amidst the struggle, right at his home race?
The British Grand Prix: A Turning Point for Lewis Hamilton?
The British Grand Prix holds a special significance for British drivers, and for Hamilton in particular, it carries an even greater meaning. This race holds a special place in his heart as he has previously emerged victorious on 8 occasions, bringing immense joy to both himself and the passionate home fans.
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Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 3, 2022 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton with fans after the race REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
This year poses a different challenge. The unsure performance of Mercedes puts Hamilton in a race against not just competitors but also his team’s recent issues. Once a frequent podium occupant, Hamilton has made it to the podium only three times in nine races this season. He now faces competition from Alonso and Aston Martin Racing, who’ve upgraded their car considerably.
The British GP acts as a home race for Hamilton, Aston Martin, McLaren, and rising star Lando Norris. McLaren’s latest upgrade shows promise, driving Norris to a fourth-place finish in the recent race. With Mercedes finishing 7th and 8th, their upgrade becomes critical.
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Watch This Story | Lewis Hamilton Kicks Off Mammoth $140 Million Hollywood Passion Project
As the British Grand Prix nears, it takes on a significance beyond a race for Hamilton. It’s his home Grand Prix, an opportunity to overcome difficulties, enjoy the thrill of competition, and reignite his passion. Regardless of the result, attention will remain on Lewis Hamilton, a champion venturing into unknown grounds.
