Lewis Hamilton has acknowledged that Mercedes’ competitiveness has taken a nosedive since the Formula 1 season resumed, attributing the decline to rival teams bringing more effective upgrades. The seven-time world champion admitted that Mercedes has been left trailing as Ferrari and McLaren’s developments have propelled them ahead in the pecking order.
Mercedes entered the summer break riding a wave of momentum with three wins in four races—George Russell’s breakthrough victory in Austria and Hamilton’s emotional home win at Silverstone followed by another triumph in Belgium. But since the season restarted, the team has struggled to regain that form. Russell’s fortunate podium in Baku stands as the team’s only top-three finish in the last five races, highlighting the German marque’s regression.
Hamilton pointed to a flawed floor upgrade as the source of their current woes. Mercedes had hoped the update would enhance performance, but instead, it brought complications that forced the team to scrap the new parts. In contrast, both Ferrari and McLaren successfully deployed significant upgrades, pulling ahead of Mercedes as the season progressed.
When asked about Mercedes’ recent drop-off, Hamilton emphasized that the onus was on his team to deliver updates that would make a difference. “I think the others have gained. We brought an upgrade to Spa, but then we didn’t end up using it,” he explained. “From Zandvoort to Monza, the others have brought more upgrades, particularly Ferrari and McLaren.”
Hamilton also singled out McLaren’s recent progress, praising their impressive advancements, particularly with their rear wing. “McLaren seem to be the ones evolving and advancing the fastest,” he remarked, adding that Mercedes must be patient as it awaits its own set of upgrades in the coming races.
With the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) looming, Mercedes hopes its planned updates will bring the performance boost needed to get back in the fight. Hamilton’s record at COTA is impressive; he has won five times and secured second place in his last two visits, although he was disqualified 12 months ago.
Previewing the upcoming race, Hamilton expressed optimism but remained cautious. “It’s a good track, one of the best circuits for racing. I’m looking forward to going there, and at least I have a fresh engine there,” he said. However, he stressed that Mercedes’ success in Austin will depend on whether their upgrades meet expectations.
“Over the last three years, sometimes upgrades work, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes it doesn’t correlate perfectly to the wind tunnel and CFD. I’m really hoping, fingers crossed, that we add it and it really works,” Hamilton said, referencing their successful upgrade at COTA last year as a glimmer of hope.
As the championship battle heats up, Hamilton and Mercedes face a critical juncture. With the team working hard behind the scenes, the question remains: can they find the pace to keep up with their advancing rivals, or will the 2024 season mark another chapter of missed opportunities for the once-dominant squad?
