“No Excuses”: LH Army Turns on Lewis Hamilton as Deafening Silence Haunts Mercedes

In a disappointing turn of events, Lewis Hamilton faced an unexpected SQ2 exit during the recent F1 Qatar Grand Prix 2023 Sprint Shootout. As expected, this has left the fans bewildered and concerned about his performance. Moreover, the controversial track limits only added to the drama and challenges faced by the Mercedes team.

While the ‘Silver Arrows’ are a powerhouse in modern-day Formula 1. The team was rather struggling to find its rhythm, with fierce competition all around. In a surprising twist, though, it was George Russell who led Mercedes’ charge. After seventeen laps, he clinched a strong fourth place with a speedy time of 1:24:841. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were hot on his heels. However, the usual aura of Mercedes’ supremacy was noticeably absent. Fans replaced it with unsettling uncertainty, questioning the team’s strategies and Lewis’s qualifying form.

The news of Hamilton’s early SQ2 exit and the persistent track limits controversy spread rapidly across the F1 community. The LH Army, often renowned for their relentless support of Lewis Hamilton, felt disoriented this time. Their hero’s once-deafening cheers had transformed. Frustration and disappointment now filled the chorus that echoed through the fans.

As Ferrari and McLaren seemingly looking more competitive, Mercedes is under pressure, heading into the Qatar Grand Prix 2023. And with the McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finishing 1-2, things are not looking good for the Silver Arrows at least in the Sprint.

Fan fury unleashed on Lewis Hamilton

Amidst this, the LH Army was quick to go to social media to express their discontent and concerns. Considering that Lewis’ fans are used to seeing him and his team perform well, it makes sense why these fans did not hold back from scrutinizing him.

So far this season, Russell has usually been the ‘inconsistent’ driver. Especially when considering that Lewis is currently third in the driver’s championship.

However, fans were quick to acknowledge the car’s limitations but, at the same time, expecting better results given George Russell’s recent positive performance.

Some fans clearly observed Hamilton slowly dipping in terms of his qualifying performances. Considered as one of the strongest qualifying drivers, this decline in his prowess is a sad reality.

READ MORE: “Lewis Blew It”: Ex-Ferrari Boss Predicts Worst for Hamilton Pointing at Mounting George Russell Pressure

Even Lewis himself has been critical of his qualifying performance and has said to be working on it.

Expressing his surprise, this fan found it paradoxical that Hamilton expressed affection for sprint races. This is despite his struggles in such events. Whether or not the Sprint race format is good for the sport, it’s clear that it may not be for the seven-time British world champion.

This fan held Hamilton responsible, and rightfully so, as his lackluster performance is the main reason for poor sprint race results.

Seeing a Mercedes W14 at pole position is rare these days, but so is finding a somewhat positive tweet like this. This hopeful fan is rather speculating on strategy. Only time shall reveal whether this turns out to be true.

Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected SQ2 exit and the ongoing track limits controversy have left the LH Army in a state of disappointment. The once-unwavering support has given way to frustration and demands for improvement. Moreover, if Lewis continues his current qualifying form, Mercedes could very much see themselves being defeated by Ferrari. 

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Will Mercedes be able to hold on to the second place in the constructor’s championship? And can Lewis Hamilton improve upon his performances?