Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton faced a stormy 2024 season, and the stats tell the story: a 19-5 qualifying defeat to his younger teammate George Russell and an astonishing four Q1 exits, including the season finale in Abu Dhabi. For a driver with a record 104 pole positions, the sudden drop-off left fans, pundits, and even conspiracy theorists scrambling for answers.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has broken his silence on Hamilton’s struggles, pointing to the unforgiving nature of F1’s ground-effect era and its tricky Pirelli tyres.
“He Brakes Late, but the Tyres Don’t Forgive”
Hamilton’s legendary driving style—braking late and attacking corners with ferocity—simply isn’t compatible with the current generation of Formula 1 cars, says Wolff. “Lewis simply doesn’t like this generation of cars,” Wolff explained to AMuS. “He brakes late and enters the corner aggressively, and the car and the tyres are sometimes unforgiving. And this is more noticeable in qualifying than in the race.”
While some speculated that Hamilton’s head was already at Ferrari—his new team for 2025—Wolff dismissed the notion, saying, “He’s too professional for that.”
Age vs. Legacy
At 40 years old, Hamilton is the elder statesman of the F1 grid, raising questions about whether age is catching up with him. Wolff, however, insists that Hamilton’s fitness and mental sharpness rival that of younger drivers. “I believe that a top athlete like Lewis, completely focused on what he does, can postpone the decline for a long time,” he said, drawing parallels to 42-year-old Fernando Alonso, who continues to perform at an elite level.
Hamilton’s Ferrari Adventure Awaits
With his Mercedes chapter closed, Hamilton’s highly anticipated move to Ferrari in 2025 marks a fresh start. At Maranello, he’ll be paired with Charles Leclerc, another top-tier talent. But can Hamilton reignite his qualifying dominance and challenge for an eighth world title?
“He still has that fire,” Wolff added. “Lewis has shown time and again that when faced with adversity, he comes back stronger. With Ferrari’s resources and his experience, I wouldn’t count him out.”
What’s Next for Hamilton?
Hamilton’s last pole position came at the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, and the big question heading into 2025 is whether he can rediscover that magic. With Ferrari reportedly building a strong 2025 challenger, the Tifosi are dreaming of their new star adding a dash of red to his legacy.
For now, the racing world waits to see if the King of Qualifying can rise again.