Lewis Hamilton, the most successful driver in Formula 1 history, has recently showcased his best form in the current ground-effect era, despite a challenging relationship with this generation of cars. As Formula 1 enters its summer break, Hamilton’s performances in recent races suggest that he is rediscovering his competitive edge, even as he grapples with a driving style that does not naturally suit the current machinery.
Hamilton has been candid about his struggles with the 2024 car, particularly in qualifying, where he admits to having “sucked” for some time. He finds the characteristics of the current cars frustrating, especially in terms of their demands for a smoother, more controlled driving style that contrasts with his natural preference for late braking and sharp cornering. This has led to a rare situation where Hamilton, usually a master at adapting to different cars, finds himself at odds with the requirements of his machinery.
Despite these challenges, Hamilton’s recent performances have been impressive. He ended a near three-year victory drought with a win at the British Grand Prix and followed it up with another triumph in Belgium, albeit under unusual circumstances due to George Russell’s disqualification. These results have propelled Hamilton into contention for a top-three finish in the championship standings, a prospect that seemed unlikely earlier in the year.
The key to Hamilton’s resurgence has been his ability to mitigate the mismatch between his driving style and the car’s characteristics. While he continues to prefer a more aggressive approach, Hamilton has shown more restraint, avoiding over-driving and allowing the car to perform within its limits. This adjustment has led to improved qualifying results and more consistent race performances.
Mercedes’ recent upgrades, particularly to the car’s floor and front wing, have also played a crucial role in Hamilton’s turnaround. The improvements have given the car better balance and downforce, making it more predictable and easier to set up. This has provided Hamilton with the confidence he needs to push the car harder, resulting in a significant uptick in his performances.
Hamilton’s battle with Russell has been a defining feature of the season. While Russell has generally been faster over a single lap, Hamilton’s race craft, tire management, and experience have kept him competitive. As the car’s setup has improved, Hamilton has closed the gap in qualifying and reasserted himself as a formidable force on Sundays.
Looking ahead, Hamilton remains focused on maximizing his performance in the remaining races of the 2024 season. He may not fully embrace the driving demands of the current F1 cars, but his recent form suggests that he and Mercedes can still contend for top results. With 10 races to go, Hamilton’s pursuit of an eighth world title is not out of reach, especially if he continues to build on the momentum he has gained in recent weeks.
In the end, Hamilton’s ability to adapt, combined with Mercedes’ technical improvements, could make the difference in what has been a challenging but increasingly promising season.
Photo from Lewis Hamilton Instagram
