P1racenews AI automatic summary:
We asked our writers to consider what Abu Dhabi and the 2024 season as a whole told us about Lewis Hamilton, his time at Mercedes and the terms they part ways on
The 2024 season brought a tumultuous end to the Lewis Hamilton/Mercedes relationship, culminating in his unexpected departure. Despite his challenges, Hamilton showcased his prowess at Abu Dhabi, impressively climbing to fourth after a surprising Q1 exit. While Toto Wolff hailed Hamilton’s drive as that of a “world champion,” concerns arose about his comparative struggles against teammate George Russell, hinting at potential underlying issues with his car. As Hamilton transitions to Ferrari and Mercedes takes on a young driver, the dynamics of this change pose intriguing questions about his future performance in the sport. Abu Dhabi reiterated Hamilton’s racing acumen and tire management skills, yet ongoing uncertainties persist regarding his speed when compared to Russell in qualifying. The upcoming season will provide clarity on whether Hamilton can maintain his competitive edge in the evolving landscape of Formula 1.