Mercedes denied any responsibility for Lewis Hamilton’s decision to let George Russell pass him.
Images via IMAGO show Lewis Hamilton (L) and George Russell (R), with another image capturing George Russell overtaking Lewis Hamilton in the race.
The 2024 season has been disappointing for Mercedes so far. The Silver Arrows had a lackluster weekend at [race name]. During the race, Hamilton made the decision to let Russell pass, potentially allowing his teammate to score some much-needed points for the Brackley-based team.
Hamilton played the team game at [race name] and asked if he could let Russell pass. The team made this decision in the best interest of scoring points after the 39-year-old driver’s recommendation. However, some fans expressed dissatisfaction with this decision and criticized the Mercedes team for allowing it.
Mercedes quickly responded on [social media platform], placing the blame on Lewis Hamilton. The fan who expressed their discontent with the team’s decisions was informed by the Brackley social media manager that Hamilton had requested the maneuver. The seven-time world champion had the final say on the overtake, absolving the German manufacturer of any responsibility.
Mercedes opted for a different strategy compared to other teams on the grid. Brackley started the race on hard tires after the red flag. However, this strategy did not work out for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Hamilton was overtaken by several drivers before making a pit stop for the medium compounds.
En medio de esto, el ingeniero de carrera de Hamilton, Bono, afirmó que el piloto de 39 años era el más rápido en la pista justo después de la parada en boxes. Sin embargo, Lewis Hamilton se mantuvo en noveno lugar, sin oportunidad de adelantar a los que estaban adelante. El campeón mundial siete veces tuvo dificultades para alcanzar a Russell después de la sobrepasada, con el piloto de 26 años terminando en la séptima posición.
Mercedes probablemente seguirá adelante después del Gran Premio de Japón y trabajará para resolver sus problemas. Las Flechas de Plata necesitan recuperarse de su mal comienzo de temporada. En consecuencia, el equipo planea introducir varias actualizaciones para el W15, con el fin de competir en la parte delantera. Queda por ver si el equipo con base en Brackley podrá revertir la situación este año.
