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

Toto Wolff Claims Hamilton Could’ve Battled for Abu Dhabi Victory If Not for Shocking Q1 Exit

Carl Smith by Carl Smith
December 9, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Toto Wolff Claims Hamilton Could’ve Battled for Abu Dhabi Victory If Not for Shocking Q1 Exit

Formula One F1 - Las Vegas Grand Prix - Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States - November 23, 2024 Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff before the race REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

In a race that perfectly encapsulated his remarkable career, Lewis Hamilton dazzled under the lights of Abu Dhabi, recovering 12 places to finish fourth in his final outing with Mercedes. While the result was a testament to his relentless skill and determination, team boss Toto Wolff believes it could have been even better—Hamilton might have fought for the win if not for a bizarre qualifying mishap.

Bollard Drama Dooms Qualifying

Hamilton’s weekend took a dramatic turn during Q1 when a rogue bollard became lodged under his car, compromising his lap and relegating him to a P16 start. Despite his strong pace throughout practice, the qualifying setback left Hamilton with a mountain to climb on race day.

“I think a podium was definitely on the cards,” Hamilton admitted. “The car felt great all weekend, but that Q1 incident was just so unlucky. Still, I pushed with everything I had.”

A Champion’s Drive

Starting on Hard tires, Hamilton delivered a textbook performance, managing his stint brilliantly before switching to Mediums for a late charge. His clinical overtakes culminated in a stunning last-lap pass on teammate George Russell to secure fourth place. It was a fitting swan song for a driver who has redefined consistency and excellence at Mercedes.

“He drove like a World Champion today,” said Wolff. “We played the long game, and to finish fourth, pulling away from the Red Bull, was a statement. Without the qualifying mishap, who knows? I believe he could have taken the fight to Lando [Norris].”

What Could Have Been

Mercedes’ pre-race simulations pegged Hamilton’s ceiling at P6, but his blistering pace on Sunday raised eyebrows. Wolff asserted that a higher grid position could have transformed the race:

“If the bollard hadn’t been in our way yesterday, we could’ve fought for the victory,” Wolff stated. “It shows the pace was there, and Lewis delivered an impeccable drive.”

The race winner, Lando Norris, led McLaren’s triumphant effort to clinch the Constructors’ Championship, but even Norris acknowledged Hamilton’s stellar recovery: “Lewis is always a threat. It’s incredible to see what he can do, even from the back.”

A Legacy Beyond Numbers

Hamilton leaves Mercedes with an astonishing 84 wins and six Drivers’ Championships, a record-setting run that began with his move from McLaren in 2013. However, Wolff emphasized that Hamilton’s tenure wasn’t just about victories.

“It’s not just the numbers—it’s the longevity and trust we’ve built,” Wolff said. “Twelve years, the longest driver-team relationship in F1 history. That’s what makes this partnership so special.”

A Future in Fierce Rivalry

As Hamilton prepares to join Ferrari in 2025, the dynamics between the two iconic teams will undoubtedly intensify. Wolff admitted that maintaining their close relationship in the face of on-track rivalry will be a challenge but one they’re ready to embrace.

“We’ll remain close. The competition will be fierce, but relationships like this don’t disappear. We’ll keep our sports sessions, where we’re both ridiculously competitive. That won’t change,” Wolff joked.

The End of an Era

Hamilton’s final bow with Mercedes may not have delivered a victory, but it underscored everything he stands for: resilience, brilliance, and the ability to inspire. As he moves to Ferrari, one thing is certain—Lewis Hamilton’s legacy at Mercedes will endure as one of the most extraordinary partnerships in the history of Formula 1.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Bruno Michel orchestrates F2’s Triumph: Revolutionizing Path to Formula 1 Glory
Motorsports

Bruno Michel orchestrates F2’s Triumph: Revolutionizing Path to Formula 1 Glory

Unveiling the Path to Formula 1 Success: The Impact of F2 on Racing's Rising Stars In the cutthroat world of...

by James Taylor
June 9, 2025
Yuki Tsunoda Granted Red Bull’s Blessing for Mysterious Formula 1 Change in Canada
Motorsports

Yuki Tsunoda Granted Red Bull’s Blessing for Mysterious Formula 1 Change in Canada

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Harry Stone
June 9, 2025
Max Verstappen Faces F1 Departure Amid Red Bull’s Driver Dilemma
Motorsports

Max Verstappen Faces F1 Departure Amid Red Bull’s Driver Dilemma

Formula One F1 - Monaco Grand Prix - Circuit de Monaco, Monaco - May 23, 2025 Red Bull's Max Verstappen...

by David Castro
June 9, 2025
Gene Haas Unleashes Retro Masterpiece at Montreal to Celebrate 200th F1 Grand Prix
Motorsports

Gene Haas Unleashes Retro Masterpiece at Montreal to Celebrate 200th F1 Grand Prix

In a thrilling celebration, Haas F1 team brings back the nostalgia of the past to commemorate its 200th Grand Prix...

by Miguel Cunha
June 9, 2025

Recent News

Michelle Gatting Withdrawn from Le Mans 24 Hours After Injury: Bovy Steps In

Michelle Gatting Withdrawn from Le Mans 24 Hours After Injury: Bovy Steps In

June 10, 2025
Nissan revela segundo “teaser” da nova geração do Leaf

Nissan reveals second teaser of the new generation Leaf.

June 9, 2025
Kalle Rovanperä Stuns with Spectacular Powerstage Domination in Rally Italy Sardinia

Kalle Rovanperä Stuns with Spectacular Powerstage Domination in Rally Italy Sardinia

June 9, 2025
Bruno Michel orchestrates F2’s Triumph: Revolutionizing Path to Formula 1 Glory

Bruno Michel orchestrates F2’s Triumph: Revolutionizing Path to Formula 1 Glory

June 9, 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
    • WRC
    • 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