Lewis Hamilton’s ongoing battle with the Mercedes W15 continued at the Qatar Grand Prix, as the seven-time Formula 1 world champion qualified a disappointing sixth—over four-tenths behind teammate George Russell, who inherited pole after Max Verstappen’s penalty. Despite the setback, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff remains adamant that Hamilton’s struggles stem from the current generation of F1 cars rather than any decline in his ability.
Hamilton’s struggles: A season-long challenge
Hamilton, the most successful qualifier in F1 history with 103 poles, has faced an uphill battle throughout 2024. The head-to-head stats against Russell tell a sobering story, with the younger Brit leading 18-5 in qualifying sessions. While Russell has managed to capitalize on Mercedes’ sporadic competitiveness—converting pole to a win in Las Vegas and inheriting pole in Qatar—Hamilton has been left grappling with a car that doesn’t suit his driving style.
After qualifying sixth in Qatar, Hamilton was candid about his struggles. “I’m slow in general,” he said, echoing his frustrations from recent races. Yet, he remains confident in his abilities, declaring, “There’s no question in my mind that I’ve still got it.”
Wolff defends Hamilton: Blaming the W15’s limitations
Toto Wolff has publicly backed Hamilton, dismissing any notion that the veteran driver has lost his speed. Instead, Wolff pointed to the specific characteristics of the ground-effect cars introduced in this F1 era, suggesting they clash with Hamilton’s late-braking, high-entry-speed driving style.
“It’s just this generation of cars, particularly how the car is now,” Wolff explained. “Lewis is a late braker, carries a lot of speed into corners, and the car doesn’t take it. You can see him trying to eke out performance intellectually, but it’s not his natural style.”
Wolff acknowledged Hamilton’s frustration but praised his team-first mentality. “He’s very team-oriented, doesn’t complain much, but he’s not happy with the car. We need to give him a machine that suits his driving style.”
A tale of two teammates
While Hamilton has struggled to adapt, Russell has thrived in the W15’s characteristics, leveraging its strengths to outperform his illustrious teammate in qualifying. Russell’s ability to extract pace from the car was evident in Qatar, where he narrowly missed beating Verstappen’s initial pole time before the Red Bull driver’s penalty handed him the top spot.
Hamilton’s difficulties in qualifying stand in stark contrast to his race-day performances. Just last week in Las Vegas, he charged through the field to complete a Mercedes 1-2, showcasing his ability to extract every ounce of potential from the car in race conditions.
Wolff’s confidence: Hamilton can deliver on race day
Despite the qualifying struggles, Wolff remains optimistic about Hamilton’s chances in Sunday’s race. “Lewis in the race, however, usually manages to turn it around,” he said. “Last week, he overtook car after car to come through the pack. We’ll see what tomorrow brings and hopefully deliver another strong result for the team.”
Hamilton’s race craft and strategic nous could be key to salvaging a strong finish in Qatar, especially as Mercedes continues its fight for second place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Looking ahead: Hamilton’s Ferrari future looms
Hamilton’s frustrations with the W15 come as he prepares to leave Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season for Ferrari. The move marks the end of an era for both Hamilton and Mercedes, raising questions about how the team will adapt without its star driver and how Hamilton will fare in the scarlet red of Maranello.
For now, Hamilton’s focus remains on finishing his Mercedes chapter on a high note, even as the challenges of the W15 threaten to overshadow his farewell.
Conclusion: A season of contrasts for Hamilton and Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton’s struggles in Qatar encapsulate a season defined by mismatched machinery and unmet expectations. While George Russell continues to thrive in the W15, Hamilton’s persistent qualifying woes highlight the car’s limitations and the difficulty of adapting to its quirks.
Yet, as Toto Wolff insists, Hamilton’s race-day heroics remind the world why he’s one of the greatest drivers in F1 history. With two races left in the 2024 season, Hamilton has the opportunity to leave an indelible mark on his Mercedes legacy—if the car allows him to do so.
The stage is set for another dramatic chapter in a career that has always thrived under pressure.