MERCEDES AIMS TO SEND HAMILTON OFF IN STYLE WITH FINAL UPGRADE IN AUSTIN!
As the 2024 Formula 1 season enters its final stretch, Mercedes is pulling out all the stops to ensure a strong finish — and a fitting farewell for its legendary driver, Lewis Hamilton, who will be heading to Ferrari in 2025 after more than a decade of dominance with the team. This weekend’s United States Grand Prix in Austin marks a critical moment for Mercedes, as it introduces its last upgrade package of the season, hoping to close the performance gap and give Hamilton one last shot at glory before his departure.
Having been with the Silver Arrows since 2013, Hamilton has claimed six of his seven world titles with the team, and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is determined to end the partnership on a high. With six races remaining in the 2024 calendar, including the finale in Abu Dhabi, Wolff sees the upcoming races as a chance to not only compete for victories but also gain valuable insights for the 2025 season.
“This weekend marks the start of an intense run to the end of the year,” Wolff explained. “We have six races over the next eight weeks, and while the championships are out of reach, there’s still plenty to fight for. We want to end this year as strongly as possible, build momentum for 2025, and most importantly, give Lewis the send-off he deserves.”
THE FINAL UPGRADE: A CHANCE FOR MORE WINS?
Mercedes will bring its final development package to the Circuit of the Americas this weekend, with the goal of enhancing performance and providing Hamilton with a chance to add to his two wins this season. Wolff emphasized that while the team is focused on short-term results, the data gathered from the upgrade will also influence their car development for the 2025 season.
“We’ve been working hard since Singapore, analyzing our performance and identifying areas for improvement,” Wolff said. “The update in Texas is aimed at closing the gap to the front and will provide valuable information for 2025.”
LESSONS FROM AUSTIN: REDEMPTION ON THE HORIZON?
The Circuit of the Americas has been a mixed bag for Mercedes in recent years. Last season, Hamilton was in contention for victory only to face heartbreak after a post-race disqualification due to excessive plank wear. Wolff is keen to avoid similar pitfalls, especially given the Sprint format this weekend, which limits teams to just one practice session before qualifying.
“The Sprint format returns this weekend, which means we’ll need to be at our best to make the most of our upgrade in just one practice session,” Wolff noted. “Austin is a fantastic track, but its high-speed layout and bumpy surface can be tricky to manage. Last year’s result was a tough one to take, and we’re determined not to let it catch us out again.”
A FINAL PUSH FOR A LEGENDARY PARTNERSHIP
As the countdown to the end of the season and Hamilton’s time at Mercedes begins, the team is hoping to make these last races count. While the focus is on development for the future, the chance to give Hamilton a memorable send-off remains a top priority. For Wolff and Mercedes, the United States Grand Prix represents not just another race weekend, but the beginning of a final chapter in one of F1’s most successful partnerships.
