AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Nico Hülkenberg Defends Hamilton Amid Mercedes Exit, Lauds His Resilience Against Russell

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
January 8, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Nico Hülkenberg Defends Hamilton Amid Mercedes Exit, Lauds His Resilience Against Russell

Nov 23, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mercedes AMG Petronas driver George Russell (63) and driver Lewis Hamilton (44) congratulate Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) on his world drivers championship victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Despite finishing behind George Russell in the 2024 championship standings, Lewis Hamilton has found a staunch supporter in Nico Hülkenberg, who emphasized that the seven-time world champion’s prowess remains unmatched. As Hamilton closes the Mercedes chapter of his illustrious career, Hülkenberg insists the Briton’s dip in form is less about diminishing skill and more about unfortunate timing and circumstances.


Russell Triumphs, but Hamilton Remains a Titan

Although Hamilton’s two wins in 2024—one of them a triumphant return to glory at Silverstone—were a testament to his class, the season ultimately ended with Russell besting his senior teammate in the points standings. It marked the second time in three seasons Russell outscored Hamilton. However, Hülkenberg was quick to highlight that over their partnership, Hamilton still held the overall edge in points across the three years.

“It’s just about timing,” Hülkenberg said, reflecting on Hamilton’s struggles. “I think he had a weak moment, to be honest.”


The Qualifying Struggles That Defined 2024

One of the key themes of Hamilton’s 2024 campaign was qualifying inconsistency. Hülkenberg pointed to these struggles as a significant factor behind Hamilton’s comparative underperformance.

“He was disappointed after a poor qualifying,” Hülkenberg noted. “Obviously, I don’t know the details [from Mercedes], but he was up against George, who is a very fast and complete driver already.”

Despite these difficulties, Hamilton still managed flashes of brilliance, particularly at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he surged from P10 to a remarkable P2 finish, showcasing the raw talent that has made him a motorsport icon.


Hülkenberg’s Verdict: Hamilton is Still at the Top

Hülkenberg dismissed the narrative that Hamilton’s age or abilities were holding him back, calling his Las Vegas performance a prime example of his enduring greatness.

“You saw in Las Vegas how good Lewis is. He came from P10, and you should never discount him,” Hülkenberg asserted. “He’s still going great.”


A New Chapter at Ferrari

As Hamilton transitions to Ferrari for the 2025 season, the Scuderia appears ready to give him the tools needed to thrive. Paired with Charles Leclerc, Hamilton now has a golden opportunity to return to the championship fight in one of Formula 1’s most iconic cars.

Ferrari’s recent upward trajectory has fueled optimism about the Briton’s future prospects. The team is reportedly sparing no effort in ensuring Hamilton’s debut season at Maranello is as competitive as possible. Fans and critics alike will eagerly watch how the Hamilton-Leclerc partnership unfolds and whether it will deliver the long-coveted title Ferrari has been chasing for over a decade.


Hülkenberg’s Faith in Hamilton’s Legacy

Nico Hülkenberg’s defense of Hamilton not only underscores the respect the Briton commands in the paddock but also reaffirms his standing as one of F1’s greatest drivers. While the 2024 season may have ended in disappointment, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks a new chapter filled with opportunity—and the promise that his story is far from over.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Sergio Perez Receives Thunderous Endorsement from F1 Figure Amid Explosive Return Talks
Motorsports

Sergio Perez Receives Thunderous Endorsement from F1 Figure Amid Explosive Return Talks

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Harry Bright
July 12, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Mega Move: Mercedes CEO Approves Shocking F1 Transfer
Motorsports

Max Verstappen’s Mega Move: Mercedes CEO Approves Shocking F1 Transfer

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Carl Smith
July 12, 2025
Felipe Drugovich’s Formula E Debut Marred by Grid Penalty Nightmare
Formula E

Felipe Drugovich’s Formula E Debut Marred by Grid Penalty Nightmare

LAT Images http://www.motorsportimages.com

by Simon Monroy
July 12, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Secret Sardinia Summit with Wolff Sparks F1 Firestorm
Motorsports

Max Verstappen’s Secret Sardinia Summit with Wolff Sparks F1 Firestorm

FILE PHOTO: Formula One F1 - Japanese Grand Prix - Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, Japan - April 4, 2025 Red Bull's...

by James Taylor
July 11, 2025

Recent News

Sergio Perez Receives Thunderous Endorsement from F1 Figure Amid Explosive Return Talks

Sergio Perez Receives Thunderous Endorsement from F1 Figure Amid Explosive Return Talks

July 12, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Mega Move: Mercedes CEO Approves Shocking F1 Transfer

Max Verstappen’s Mega Move: Mercedes CEO Approves Shocking F1 Transfer

July 12, 2025
Felipe Drugovich’s Formula E Debut Marred by Grid Penalty Nightmare

Felipe Drugovich’s Formula E Debut Marred by Grid Penalty Nightmare

July 12, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Secret Sardinia Summit with Wolff Sparks F1 Firestorm

Max Verstappen’s Secret Sardinia Summit with Wolff Sparks F1 Firestorm

July 11, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks