![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-03-16T115554Z_1012272907_UP1EJ3G0X5438_RTRMADP_3_MOTOR-F1-SAUDI.jpg?width=600)
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – March 16, 2023 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix REUTERS/Rula Rouhana
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-03-16T115554Z_1012272907_UP1EJ3G0X5438_RTRMADP_3_MOTOR-F1-SAUDI.jpg?width=600)
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – March 16, 2023 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix REUTERS/Rula Rouhana
The 2021 Abu Dhabi has turned out to be a watershed moment in Mercedes’ history. After Lewis Hamilton agonizingly lost out on his 8th world championship campaign, the team hasn’t been the same. Last year, after the advent of the ground-effect regulations, the Silver Arrows struggled with porpoising issues. In the current season, they simply lack the pace to challenge the reigning champions. That has put Hamilton in a difficult situation who is searching for the coveted title at 38. Amidst all these frustrations, Red Bull’s Helmut Marko has revealed two factors that the Briton cannot stand.
Briefly after the disappointing result in the season opener in Baku, Hamilton launched a scathing attack on his own team. He told the media that his opinion about the car wasn’t taken seriously. Since then, rumors about him looking for a move away from Brackley are doing the rounds of the streets of F1.
Helmut Marko reveals the reasons why Lewis Hamilton is ‘annoyed’
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Hamilton is currently under a contract with Mercedes that will expire at the end of this season. Many believe he is looking for a switch to Ferrari next year. The Maranello-based team has reportedly even offered him a $49 million deal. However, the 7-time champion has time and again reiterated that he will remain loyal to his current team. Helmut Marko does not believe he will.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-04-28T092723Z_583891303_UP1EJ4S0Q9L0P_RTRMADP_3_MOTOR-F1-AZERBAIJAN.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – April 28, 2023 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton arrives ahead of practice REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
The Red Bull taskmaster, while talking with F1-Insider, said, “There are two things that really annoy Hamilton.” [Translated using Google]
“Firstly, that he is no longer world champion and will be difficult to become champion again in the future. In addition to the sporting perspective, Lewis is also anything but happy that he is no longer the highest-paid driver in Formula 1. That is now Max Verstappen. He could change that with the help of Ferrari.”
Ralf Schumacher, who recently accused Marko of having a problem with the Schumacher name, held a different opinion altogether.
Ralf Schumacher tells why Hamilton won’t take the Ferrari deal
Mercedes is currently negotiating a deal with Hamilton, which, according to team boss Toto Wolff, isn’t going anywhere. The reason behind it is his friendship with Hamilton. Toto revealed that it was difficult for him to discuss money with a friend. That is where, he believes, Lewis’ manager, Penni Thow’s role comes in. The friendships, however, are exactly the reason Ralf believes will ensure that the Briton will stay with the team he has been with for more than 10 years.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-646581858.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Getty
Motorsports / DTM 9. race Zandvoort, Ralf Schumacher (Muecke Motorsport) (Photo by Hoch Zwei/Corbis via Getty Images)
F1 Maximaal quoted him as saying, “I think it is very likely that Lewis will stay at Mercedes. He’s not getting any younger and has a tough challenge with teammate George Russell. But I don’t think that’s why he’s giving up his home at Mercedes and risking a future partnership with the team.”
Ralf added a caveat, though. He believes there is one person who can convince Lewis to switch to Ferrari. That person is team boss Frederic Vasseur. Fred is close with Hamilton owing to their history. During Lewis’ karting days, Vasseur used to be his team principal.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: Lewis Hamilton Wears $225,000 Masterpiece Instead of his Usual Mercedes’ $232,000,000 Sponsor at the NBA Playoffs
Do you think Hamilton will jump ship in the search of the 8th world title? Let us know your reasons in the comments below.