Lewis Hamilton has set the record straight: he’s giving Mercedes everything he’s got in their final season together, despite his looming move to Ferrari. The seven-time world champion insists he’s fully committed to helping the Silver Arrows with the development of their 2024 car, denying any suggestion that he’s holding back crucial insights as he prepares to leave after more than a decade with the team.
Hamilton’s bombshell announcement to switch teams was one of the biggest headlines of the season, but that hasn’t kept him from rolling up his sleeves and providing Mercedes with the feedback they need. “Ultimately, every bit of input that I put in now, along with George’s [Russell], is contributing to the development forwards,” Hamilton told reporters. “That’s the job, that’s what I’m paid for. I’m not holding anything back from any class sessions.”
Though it’s typical for a departing driver to be sidelined in development discussions, Hamilton has continued to assist Mercedes with critical experiments and assessments, especially following the team’s latest update package. And while his insights may not benefit him directly on the track in 2025, Hamilton remains driven by loyalty. “At the end of the day, this is the team that I’ve been successful with for many, many years, and I want the team to continue to have success,” he explained. “That’s just how I’m wired, that’s how I am.”
However, Hamilton’s recent outings in the W15 have been anything but smooth. In Brazil, the typically resilient Brit struggled in wet conditions, finishing a frustrating 10th. Known for his dominance in the rain, he didn’t mince words after the race, calling his performance “devastating.” “It’s definitely not acceptable, it’s definitely not good enough,” he admitted. “We have to take accountability, I have to take accountability.”
The disappointing weekend underscored Mercedes’ ongoing struggles with the W15. Hamilton voiced his frustrations, pointing out that one of the team’s cars had performed noticeably better, suggesting untapped potential in the setup. With only three races left, Mercedes is treating the remainder of the season as a live testing ground, hoping to iron out the issues plaguing the car and set a stronger foundation for 2024.
As Hamilton’s historic chapter with Mercedes nears its end, his unwavering dedication shows he’s determined to leave the team on solid ground. For Hamilton, loyalty and legacy come first—even if it means giving his all for a team he’ll soon bid farewell.