Hamilton receives ‘controvers
Hamilton Faces Criticism as Ferrari Receives Stern Warning Ahead of 2024 F1 Season
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has stirred controversy by labeling seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton as 2024’s “biggest disappointment.” Coulthard’s comments, made during an appearance on Viaplay, have sparked debate, particularly given Hamilton’s status as one of the sport’s most successful drivers.
Reflecting on the 2023 F1 season, Coulthard highlighted Hamilton’s uncharacteristic struggles, which saw him finish seventh in the drivers’ standings. This marked one of the lowest points in the Briton’s illustrious career, with Hamilton accumulating 22 points fewer than his younger Mercedes teammate, George Russell.
Russell, in only his second season with Mercedes, consistently outperformed Hamilton in 2023. The 25-year-old out-qualified Hamilton in 19 of the 24 races and held the upper hand in head-to-head race results, finishing ahead in 15 of their encounters compared to Hamilton’s nine. This dominance by Russell was a significant factor in Mercedes’ underwhelming campaign, as the team struggled to adapt to the W15 car’s limitations.
Coulthard, a veteran of the sport and former race winner, expressed his disappointment with Hamilton’s performance, citing the 105-time Grand Prix winner’s inability to extract the maximum potential from the W15—a skill often expected from drivers of his caliber.
“I would still point to Lewis as the biggest disappointment,” Coulthard remarked. “I understand that might be controversial because he’s a seven-time world champion and has been a dominant force in Formula 1. But the Lewis we saw last season wasn’t the one we’ve come to know.”
The Scotsman elaborated, pointing to Hamilton’s struggles in qualifying as a key concern. “The greats always seem to find something extra when it matters most. They can dig deep and pull out a qualifying lap that defies the odds. Unfortunately, we didn’t see that from Lewis in 2023.”
Coulthard’s comments reflect the growing concern around Hamilton’s performance as he prepares for the 2024 season, a year that could be pivotal for his future in the sport. With his contract set to expire at the end of the year, speculation has mounted over whether the 40-year-old will continue racing beyond 2024, particularly if Mercedes fails to provide him with a competitive car.
The criticism also comes amid heightened competition from Ferrari, Red Bull, and Aston Martin. Ferrari, in particular, has been warned to address its operational inefficiencies and provide a more consistent challenge to Red Bull’s dominance. With Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz showing flashes of brilliance but failing to sustain a title charge, the Italian team is under pressure to deliver a more competitive package in 2024.
For Mercedes, Hamilton’s underwhelming 2023 campaign serves as a wake-up call. Team Principal Toto Wolff has vowed to address the W15’s shortcomings, emphasizing the importance of giving both Hamilton and Russell a car capable of challenging at the front.
As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Hamilton to see if he can rediscover his form and silence his critics. For a driver of his pedigree, anything less than a resurgence could fuel further speculation about his future in the sport. Meanwhile, Ferrari and other teams remain determined to capitalize on any weaknesses from their rivals, setting the stage for another thrilling season of Formula 1.
