Lewis Hamilton has candidly shared his emotions following a tough weekend at the Brazilian Grand Prix, revealing that after his struggles at Interlagos, he initially didn’t want to return to racing. However, with three races remaining in his Mercedes career, Hamilton is committed to giving his best effort.
Hamilton Reflects on Difficult Weekend in Brazil
Following a challenging race at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Hamilton admitted feeling down after a disheartening weekend at Interlagos. He struggled with the car’s handling in varying weather conditions, describing it as “undriveable.” After exiting qualifying in Q1 and experiencing what he called “the bumpiest ride ever” during the race, Hamilton’s frustration was clear. As he returned to the pits after the race, he was heard on the radio saying, “If this is the last time that I get to perform, it’s a shame it wasn’t great, but [I’m] grateful for you.”
Reflecting on those raw emotions before the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hamilton explained that he didn’t want to return after such a disappointing performance. However, he quickly acknowledged that his feelings were a natural reaction to a challenging season, which he vowed to improve upon. “It’s frustrating when you have a season like this, but I think I won’t have another one like it, or at least I’ll work towards not having it again,” Hamilton shared. Despite the difficulties, he is focused on finishing strong in the final three races of the season.
Hamilton Responds to Wolff’s ‘Shelf-Life’ Comments
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff recently made headlines for remarks in a behind-the-scenes book about Mercedes, where he discussed Hamilton’s future, saying “everyone has a shelf-life.” The comments sparked speculation about Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, but Wolff later clarified that his words were taken out of context, emphasizing Hamilton’s continued sharpness and ability when the car is right.
Hamilton responded to these comments by reaffirming his dedication to the team. He expressed his deep respect and love for the people at Mercedes and reassured them that he would give his best in the final races. When asked if he felt compelled to prove something to Wolff, Hamilton confidently stated, “No. I think just me being here, standing tall… I feel strong. Honestly, I feel like I’m in the best place I’ve been all year mentally.”
Overcoming Challenges and Media Criticism
Hamilton also discussed the challenges he’s faced throughout his career, including the media’s persistent criticism. He acknowledged the microaggressions he’s experienced but emphasized his resilience, saying, “Nothing can take me down, so I’m still here, I’m still fighting, and I’m going to continue to push.” While Hamilton is leaving Mercedes after this season, he remains focused on performing at his best for the team, expressing his gratitude and commitment to them in the final leg of the season.
Looking Ahead: Strong Finish to the Season
Hamilton’s resolve is clear as he approaches the final triple-header of the season, which includes races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. Despite the ups and downs, Hamilton’s focus is now on finishing his time at Mercedes on a high note. With a positive mental outlook, he is determined to make the most of the remaining opportunities.
In closing, Hamilton smiled and said, “If they provide a car that wants to stay on track, then hopefully we’ll have a better result.” It’s clear that despite the challenges, Hamilton’s passion for racing and his team remain unwavering as he heads into his final races with Mercedes.
Conclusion: A resilient Hamilton’s Final Races
Lewis Hamilton’s emotional response to the Brazilian Grand Prix reflects the pressure and frustration of a difficult season, but his resilience and commitment to finish strong are undeniable. With three races left in his Mercedes career, Hamilton is determined to make the most of every opportunity, proving once again that his fight for success isn’t over.
