Amid a season filled with drama and speculation, ex-F1 champion Nico Rosberg has stepped in to dismiss claims that Mercedes intentionally sabotaged Lewis Hamilton in favor of George Russell during the 2024 campaign. Hamilton’s struggles in what turned out to be his final season with the team fueled conspiracy theories that the Brackley-based squad was prioritizing its younger driver.
But Rosberg, the 2016 World Champion and Hamilton’s former teammate, has categorically denied these allegations, calling the claims baseless and emphasizing Mercedes’ commitment to fairness.
A Season to Forget for Hamilton
Hamilton’s 2024 season was one of his toughest in Formula 1, finishing a career-low seventh in the Drivers’ Championship. With his decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari already announced before the start of the season, fans speculated that Mercedes might have shifted its focus to Russell as the future of the team.
These rumors gained traction as Hamilton struggled with the inconsistent W15 and endured a mid-season slump. However, his performances at the British and Belgian Grands Prix, where he broke a 56-race winless streak with two victories, reminded everyone of his enduring class.
Rosberg: Mercedes “Under Pressure to Be Fair”
Rosberg pointed to specific moments, including team radio communications, to demonstrate that Mercedes was fully supportive of Hamilton. He recalled Toto Wolff’s motivational message to Hamilton during the Abu Dhabi GP as evidence of the team’s impartiality:
“Toto came on the radio and said, ‘You can do this, Lewis.’ If I were George listening to that, I’d be thinking, ‘Hey, what’s up with that? You should be neutral here.’”
Rosberg argued that Wolff’s public encouragement of Hamilton was likely a response to the growing fan theories accusing the team of favoritism toward Russell.
“There was a lot of pressure on Mercedes to show the world there was no preferential treatment. Lewis is a legend, and anything short of complete fairness would have been disastrous for Mercedes’ reputation.”
The Reality of Outgoing Drivers
Rosberg also highlighted how Mercedes handled Hamilton’s final season differently compared to how other teams treat outgoing drivers. While many teams restrict access to briefings and meetings for drivers who are leaving, Mercedes maintained full transparency and respect for Hamilton’s status as a seven-time champion.
“The pressure was immense because of Lewis’ stature in the sport. Mercedes couldn’t afford to show even the slightest hint of favoritism, as it would tarnish their standing in the paddock.”
Hamilton’s Ferrari Dream Awaits
As Hamilton prepares to take on a new challenge at Ferrari in 2025, the Briton is leaving behind a storied legacy at Mercedes. Driving for the Scuderia represents an opportunity to cement his place in F1 history further by restoring championship glory to Maranello.
However, Hamilton will face fierce competition from Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s “golden boy,” whose raw speed and affinity for qualifying have made him a formidable force. Balancing the dynamic between the two star drivers will be crucial for Ferrari if they aim to reclaim the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships.
Rosberg’s Verdict
While fan conspiracies often dominate social media, Rosberg’s insights offer a more measured perspective. His dismissal of sabotage claims underscores the respect Mercedes maintained for Hamilton, even as the team grappled with a challenging season.
As Hamilton bids farewell to Mercedes and begins his Ferrari chapter, one thing is clear: the 39-year-old remains a legend of the sport, capable of silencing doubters and creating new milestones—no matter the car or the team.
