After Lewis Hamilton dropped a cryptic message over the team radio during the Brazilian Grand Prix, Mercedes has moved to address mounting speculation over the seven-time champion’s future with the team. As his struggles with the W15 chassis continue, the Brit hinted that the Brazil weekend might mark his “last time” with the Brackley-based team, setting off a whirlwind of theories.
Hamilton’s message—“If this is the last time I get to perform, it was a shame it wasn’t great but [I am] grateful for you”—left fans and analysts alike wondering if he might sit out the remaining races, with some even speculating that Mercedes’ rising star Kimi Antonelli could take his place in Las Vegas and beyond.
However, Mercedes quickly broke its silence, dispelling any notions of an early exit. In a statement to PA News, a Mercedes spokesperson assured that Hamilton is indeed set to race in the remaining events, including the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix. “There are no plans for Lewis to be absent from the next race,” the representative affirmed, quashing rumors of any impending lineup change.
Hamilton’s comments reflect more than just frustrations with a challenging season. After two winless years and despite recent improvements, Mercedes’ car still isn’t where it needs to be. The British legend has become visibly disenchanted with the team’s lagging pace. In stark contrast, his future team, Ferrari, has turned its focus to next season’s car, preparing meticulously for Hamilton’s arrival in 2025, as Maranello looks to capitalize on their recent improvements and leverage Hamilton’s expertise.
“We’ve been focused on next year’s project for months,” noted a Ferrari spokesperson, as the Italian team’s engineers zero in on a competitive car for Hamilton’s debut season with the Scuderia.
Mercedes, meanwhile, is preparing a send-off befitting their longest-serving driver, whose 12-year stint with the Silver Arrows delivered six titles and countless memories. Though this season has been tough, Hamilton can still look back on two race wins, including an emotional victory on home soil at Silverstone. For now, Hamilton’s journey with Mercedes continues, as he gears up for the historic Las Vegas GP and a grand farewell with the team he helped redefine.
As he heads toward a new era at Ferrari, Hamilton is set to leave behind an indelible legacy at Mercedes—a partnership defined by unprecedented dominance, grit, and countless shared triumphs.
