Toto Wolff attributes Lewis Hamilton’s difficulties within the 2024 Method 1 season to struggles with the tyres within the present floor impact period, though the Mercedes workforce principal stays assured that the Brit will get well and thrive, even doubtlessly with Ferrari sooner or later.
Whereas Hamilton has beforehand excelled towards world champions like Fernando Alonso, Nico Rosberg, and Jenson Button, the 40-year-old driver discovered himself dealing with unprecedented challenges in his latest battles towards George Russell. The 26-year-old outperformed his teammate in qualifying, successful their head-to-head 19-5, with Lewis Hamilton failing to constantly ship a powerful lap on Saturdays. This kind noticed him endure an uncharacteristic 4 Q1 exits, together with a disappointing efficiency at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina.
This was a stark distinction to Lewis Hamilton’s regular qualifying dominance, with the seven-time world champion holding a exceptional 104 pole positions. Followers and pundits have been left perplexed by his sudden lack of tempo, with some even suggesting sabotage by Mercedes or speculating that Hamilton could be previous his prime.
Nonetheless, Toto Wolff provides a distinct rationalization, emphasizing that Lewis Hamilton’s points stem from the present automotive designs and the best way they work together with the Pirelli tyres. In line with Toto Wolff, Hamilton’s driving type merely doesn’t align with the traits of the tyres in use in the present day, which has contributed to his struggles on observe.
Toto Wolff defined to AMuS that Lewis has issue adapting to the present era of vehicles. He identified that Lewis Hamilton tends to brake late and strategy corners aggressively, however the automotive and tyres can typically be unforgiving, particularly in qualifying. He additionally clarified that, regardless of hypothesis, Lewis Hamilton’s focus was nonetheless on his present workforce, stating that he hadn’t but thought-about a transfer to Ferrari, as he’s too skilled to consider such issues in the course of the season.
Toto Wolff anticipates that Hamilton will reply positively to his present challenges and attracts comparisons to Fernando Alonso to elucidate his expectations. As Lewis Hamilton ages, it’s inevitable that some elements of his efficiency will start to say no, as is the case with any athlete. His bodily capabilities, together with his capability to drive on the sting as he did in his mid-20s, will finally diminish, and his reflexes could decelerate over time.
Nonetheless, the 53-year-old Austrian firmly believes that there isn’t a indication of this taking place simply but. He maintains that elite opponents like Hamilton, who has 105 Grand Prix victories, are greater than able to extending their careers in Method 1, notably with the best mindset and preparation. Wolff factors to Fernando Alonso for instance of how longevity within the sport is achievable, exhibiting that even with age, a driver can proceed to carry out at an distinctive stage. Wolff added that he believes a high athlete like Lewis, who’s absolutely devoted to his craft, can delay the decline of his efficiency for a very long time. He identified that that is evident in Fernando Alonso, who, regardless of his in depth expertise, remains to be quick. The Mercedes workforce boss advised that the identical is true for the British driver.
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