The start of the 2024 Formula 1 season continues to gain momentum, with every participating team having completed the unveiling of their racing cars and drivers’ suits.
With discussions and predictions in full swing, one persistent topic is that of Lewis Hamilton’s surprise switch from the Mercedes-AMG F1 team to rivals, Scuderia Ferrari.
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Lewis
Hamilton’s announcement of a new team, which took the F1 world by surprise on February 1, continues to be a major talking point during each team’s car unveiling.
As the commencement of what would be his last season with the Brackley-based team draws closer, the seven-time drivers’ champion was quizzed about the prospect of winning a record-eclipsing eighth F1 crown with Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton on winning F1 title
The 39-year-old, who last clinched the F1 drivers’ crown in the COVID-impacted 2020 season, narrowly missed out on his eighth title in the final lap of the last race of the 2021 season.
Since then, the veteran driver has found himself chasing the pack on the grid, with Red Bull Racing setting the pace in unprecedented fashion thanks to Max Verstappen.
In response to questions about his chances of winning the title in his final season with the German constructor, Hamilton stated, as reported by RacingNews365:
“The focus first is getting the team back to where we once were. We have had a difficult couple of years, which has been really grounding for us. It helped us to regroup and reassess things.”
Lewis Hamilton’s seemingly diplomatic and humbling words appear to be an attempt to deflect the spotlight and the looming pressure that could come for Mercedes, especially considering their 2024 car was subtly modelled after the dominant Red Bull car of 2023.
While it cannot be predicted for certain if Hamilton will leave Brackley as champion, one thing is certain: the announcement of his transfer to Ferrari adds an extra layer of intrigue to what is poised to be the longest season in the sport’s history.
Alonso aims dig at Hamilton
Sports Brief also previously reported that Spanish F1 driver, Fernando Alonso, aimed a dig at Hamilton after the latter referred to driving for Ferrari as his childhood dream.
The Aston Martin driver, who wasn’t buying any subtle love and loyalty for the Italian brand from the Briton, questioned the sudden change his dream racing team.
