Mercedes is adamant there are no plans for Lewis Hamilton not to complete the 2024 Formula 1 season despite suspicion over his post-race radio message in Brazil.
Hamilton’s usual wet-weather prowess evaded him in Sao Paulo as he endured a horrid weekend with a Q1 elimination preceding a mistake-ridden drive to 10th place.
The Briton, who ended up 27 seconds behind fourth-placed team-mate George Russell in the other Mercedes, was despondent on the team radio on his cooldown lap.
“That was a disaster of a weekend, guys,” he told his long-time race engineer Peter Bonnington. “The worst the car has ever been.
“Thank you for contributing to try and great job to all the guys at the pit stop.
“If this is the last time I get to perform it was a shame it wasn’t great but (I am) grateful for you.”
Hamilton’s ending words were noticed and posted online, prompting some people to ponder whether the race in Interlagos might have marked his last with Mercedes.
The seven-time champion, who has conducted all his F1 race starts with Mercedes engines, will leave the German marque to begin a new venture with Ferrari in 2025.
Hamilton’s comments post-race added to the growing speculation that he could miss the remaining three rounds in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi prior to his move.
The ex-McLaren driver, who hasn’t been on the podium in seven races since the summer break, conceded that his impending Mercedes exit “can’t come soon enough”.
Mercedes quashes Hamilton speculation
However, Mercedes has dismissed the rumours that have ensued as it revealed to the PA that a premature split with Hamilton isn’t a matter that has been considered.
Mercedes’ mid-season resurgence enabled Hamilton to end his prolonged win drought with an emotional triumph at Silverstone, his ninth success at his home circuit.
But the eight-time Constructors’ Champions have been unable to sustain the momentum which saw Hamilton also prevail in Belgium and Russell victorious in Austria.
Hamilton indicated that his expectations going into his final three outings with Mercedes will be low amid the squad’s recent struggles to provide a match to its rivals.
“I’m not fighting for the championship, it doesn’t really matter where we finish in the championship,” Hamilton said to media including Motorsport Week.
“I don’t care if I finish ahead of George or behind George, it doesn’t make that big of a difference to me.
“I just want to keep the car out the wall and try to score points if I can for the team.
“If I can finish well and they give me a car that doesn’t bounce off the track in the next few races, then hopefully we get a better result. Looking forward to Christmas.”
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