If this were the 2021 Mexican GP, and Lewis Hamilton qualified sixth for the race, you’d think something’s gone terribly wrong for Mercedes. But we’re in 2023, and Mercedes is nowhere close to the formidable team it used to be in the turbo-hybrid era. If you think about it, though, something has gone terribly wrong for Hamilton & Co. Seeing as they’ve accepted the fact that Red Bull is, and has been, out of reach, this isn’t the Mercedes that Hamilton knew for the better part of a decade. Despite that, the seven-time champion still believes, especially after Toto Wolff made him a promise.
The past couple of seasons have been trying for Hamilton and Mercedes. After having to relinquish their stronghold on the championships in 2021, the only thing they’ve consistently got (instead of podiums and wins) is Red Bull’s battering. Amidst all this, there were trust issues between Hamilton and Mercedes as well. Given the situation, most people would’ve lost faith in their team. But Hamilton isn’t one of them.
💬 "It’s a great result considering we started from P6. We pushed hard and I’m proud of the whole team for all their work."
Lewis, George, Toto and Shov wrap up a spectacular Sunday in Mexico City. 👇
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) October 30, 2023
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Although Mercedes hasn’t had the best form lately, the past few races have pointed to positive signs, especially for 2024. Speaking of 2024, that’s precisely what Toto Wolff’s promise to Hamilton was about. After qualifying sixth, Hamilton benefitted from a first-alp incident between Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc. With a good strategy and even better tire management, Hamilton crossed the line in P2. When he crossed the line, World said, “Lewis, fantastic. Now we just need to give you a car that can win. The driving was perfection.” The Brit replied, “I have faith in you guys. Thank you.”
While Hamilton may have all the faith in Wolff & Co. the LH Army isn’t as optimistic about the boss’ promise. Could Mercedes really have a championship-winning car in 2024? The fans sure had things to say about it.
Toto Wolff better not let a faithful Lewis Hamilton down
It’s been two years since Hamilton won a race. Even though he did come close to another at the US GP (only to be disqualified post-race), fans want more. He wants more. There’s no doubt Hamilton wants to return to winning ways, and there’s no doubt he believes Mercedes can deliver. Why else would he sign a two-year extension with the team? With both Hamilton and Wolff suggesting that Mercedes’ 2024 challenger looks promising, fans put forth their wishes as well.
Hamilton isn’t one of the best drivers for nothing. He has the ability to perform even when the odds are against him. Seeing how well he’s been doing in a non-competitive W14, imagine what he would do with a competitive challenger.
Please give him a winning car. It's not only now that his driving is perfection. More pole positions
— Dineo (@Dineo_M21) October 29, 2023
Wolff suggested a competitive car is in the pipeline. A fan pleaded for exactly the same.
We just need a car that can win,,, a competitive enough car,,, just give that to Lewis next year please
— Elias (@elias_ochako) October 29, 2023
Because Mercedes chose to ignore Hamilton’s concerns multiple times in the past two seasons, fans don’t really trust Mercedes either. Considering Wolff has given Hamilton his word, he better deliver.
toto you better mean it!!
— yasmine🤑⚡️ (@yyfairy8) October 29, 2023
Apart from appealing to just Wolff, fans also appealed to Mercedes’ Technical Director and mastermind James Allison.
He can 100% fight with a car up to par. Please James Allison 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Mercedes Fan (@Mercedes61937) October 29, 2023
For the past few weeks, Mercedes’ pitstops have been abysmal. But at the Mexican GP, they looked better. With positive signs already, is Wolff finally doing what he’s supposed to?
Their pit stops improved now too. Maybe finally, Toto has put down his foot in Merc
— Nelle | tokki haemjwi (@soshirevelshire) October 29, 2023
While most fans were supportive of Wolff and urged the team boss to give Hamilton what he wanted, some expressed their anger.
I wish toto would stop talking and start doing. Sick of the blah blah with no follow up. Both the drivers are suffering because of this. 😡
— sanjana singh (@princesssiggy) October 30, 2023
Wolff needs to stop with the ‘all talk, no show’ charade and make something happen.
Blah blah then do it
— Weezy (@FCBweezyy) October 29, 2023
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As much as Hamilton and Mercedes fans want to see a competitive car next season, one user believes nothing’s going to change.
Imo it will be the same story next year.
Other teams making steps forward but RBR are so far ahead now they can't be caught until next regs
They are not even showing their true pace and all the time they concentrate on one car and one driver, the other teams can't catch them
— Rob – In Mourning for F1 (@Fazywazy) October 30, 2023
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What do you think? Will Toto Wolff stick to his word and help Lewis Hamilton get what he wants?
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