Sympathizing With “Unfortunate” George Russell, Lewis Hamilton Shifts Focus on Scripting Incredible Comeback

The past couple of seasons have been challenging for Mercedes. After dominating Formula 1 for almost eight years, the Brackley outfit suddenly saw power shifting. As 2022 rolled in, the reins shifted from Mercedes to Red Bull. It was the perfect example of how things can change in the blink of an eye in F1. Just like that, Lewis Hamilton had to start getting used to not winning every race weekend and instead watch his 2021 rival, Max Verstappen, dominate. 

While 2023 didn’t particularly promise a return to winning ways, Mercedes has made significant progress in recent races. And the Singapore GP might’ve marked a comeback in form. Hamilton hasn’t been himself these past couple of years. It’s a fact. But his performance at the Marina Bay Circuit was so reminiscent of vintage Lewis that you can’t help but hope it wasn’t just a one-off thing. Well, the seven-time champion has no intention of slowing down now that he has the momentum.

Lewis Hamilton lit up the Marina Bay Circuit

Last night, during a late Virtual Safety Car on Lap 44 of 62, Hamilton was running in P4 while his teammate George Russell was in P2. Stuck behind Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, respectively, Mercedes opted for an aggressive strategy to pit both drivers and put them on fresh Medium tires, aiming for the win. Knowing they had the race pace, the 15-second gap to Charles Leclerc in P3 wasn’t a problem. Once racing resumed, Russell and Hamilton were right on the gearbox of Norris with five laps to spare.

Sensing a victory, Russell tried an overtake on Norris on Lap 59 but fell just short. Losing grip by the second, the last lap was where it all unraveled for Russell. With just nine corners left to seal a podium, he crashed into the barriers at Turn 10. Hamilton assumed P3 and drove the W14 to the finish line. In an Instagram post, Hamilton wrote, “Every weekend, we fight together as a team, and it’s always a tough battle. First, huge props to George. He had an amazing drive all weekend and deserved to be on the podium. Unfortunate for him not to finish, but he will bounce back.”

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He continued, “I’m so proud of all the work the team did this weekend. The commitment we have is incredible. My race was strong, and I’m fully focused on improving in qualifying for the rest of the season. Thank you all for the unbelievable support, I see you🙏🏾” While the race didn’t end with a win, it sure reignited a spark in Hamilton and Mercedes—a spark they’ll look to keep alive as long as possible. To achieve that comeback he wants, the seven-time champion revealed what he needs to do.

Lewis Hamilton needs to match Mercedes’ “excellence”

This time away from the front has made Mercedes realize just how much it misses winning. Considering it dominated the turbo-hybrid era, it’s also under self-inflicted pressure to return to the front. With how much Hamilton—and F1 drivers in general—is used to pushing himself on-track, he’s realized he needs to do it off-track as well. 

In an interview with RaceFans, he said, “You’re always digging as far as you can without depleting yourself, naturally. I think everyone in the team is giving absolutely everything, too. That’s time away from their families. There are times where these guys are working seven days a week. These guys are flat out, so I’m trying to make sure that I’m matching their excellence.”

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Do you think the Singapore GP was the turning point for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes?