Ever since the start of the hybrid-engine era in 2014, Mercedes emerged as an enigma. The team enjoyed unprecedented success that lasted for 8 years straight. In the middle of it all was Lewis Hamilton, who added six more titles to his name. While he put up a display of phenomenal driving and gave the sport a number of glorious moments that will forever live in fans’ memories, some felt all his success was a result of some dominant cars and nothing else. This has been a bone of contention between the LH Army and the fans of other drivers. However, the Briton’s recent confession gives some legitimacy to his critics.
Hamilton’s downfall started in the season finale at Abu Dhabi in 2021, where he missed out on the record-breaking 8th world championship in the final lap. Since then, he hasn’t won a race. For the first time in his career, in 2022, he went a full year without a race win. In the current season as well, it does not look like the Red Bull drivers will give him or any other team a chance at a race win. This has perhaps built up frustration in the Stevenage-born who has turned against his team off late.
A confession out of frustration gives Lewis Hamilton’s critics something to feast on
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Hamilton may have managed a P2 finish at the Australian GP, but ahead of the race, he openly criticized his team in some interviews. In one such interview with Fox Sports, he told, “I don’t like driving not-great cars. I don’t like driving a car that’s not the car that we had meant to have.”
However, he admitted to challenging himself to get the next best target when the car is not up to the mark. He continued, “But I love that challenge of ‘what can I do with it?’ Okay, wins are not possible right now so what’s the maximum we can get? Can we be a little cheeky and if fifth is the best we can get, can we get a fourth or a third?”
Take a look at some reactions to his comments on Twitter.
So the dude driving the best car without competition for 11 years, suddenly doesnt enjoy driving against competition. Sounds like someones ego is a little hurt cus hes stuck in midfield
— Wixce (@Wixce) April 8, 2023
That‘s the attitude you have when you never had a car in your career that has struggled for points
— Hau Ca (@VitCorleone_) April 8, 2023
Some felt that his comments showed a sense of entitlement that he might have built up over time.
He's had championship winning cars for 11 years of his career & the moment he has arguably the second best car on the grid, it's not the car they're "meant to have". How entitled can you be?
— dystainak (@dystainak) April 8, 2023
Car we are meant to have. Entitlement
— The Real MVP (@robese_roblong) April 8, 2023
Sums up his career really
— Addy Rajesh (@Addyant23) April 8, 2023
Lmao outing himself as a car merchant
— GOATSTAPPEN ERA (@JagisinhoV2) April 8, 2023
Reason why he is called Carmilton by a certain fanbase.
— Orange_4713🤨 (@Orange_47_RMA) April 8, 2023
Bro pleads guilty to the car merchant allegations
— Assily🇱🇧 (@Assilyy) April 8, 2023
Some fans defended him for his comments. One even took a brutal dig at Max Verstappen whose both championship wins are shrouded with controversies.
Sounds very entitled, but I guess it makes sense coming from a driver with a goal as ambitious as winning his 8th WDC.
F1 champions need that selfishness to separate them from the rest of the grid.— USG Ishimura Janitor (@Rozpac) April 8, 2023
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Watch This Story: Spiderman Star Tom Holland ‘Proud’ of F1 Legend Lewis Hamilton
He has a fair point who does not enjoy driving a great car and with out a great car it's difficult to fight for the championship but max had to have a great car ,human error and cost cap breach to win So if Lewis wants great car give it to him.
— Mohammad Mukaram (@MohammadMukara6) April 8, 2023
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How long do you think Lewis will stay with Mercedes if they continue building cars that aren’t worthy enough of winning races? Is there really any other team that can challenge Red Bull in the near future where he can find a seat for himself?