Lewis Hamilton admits to 'some problems' ahead of final F1 season with Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton has just one more opportunity to claim another Formula 1 drivers' title with Mercedes, but the Brit says some problems remain on the eve of the 2024 season.
Hamilton shocked the F1 world in the off-season, confirming he will leave Mercedes for Ferrari from 2025 onwards. The move has been a long time coming, with the 39-year-old speaking of his admiration of former Ferrari star Michael Schumacher during his childhood, but his Mercedes tenure isn't over just yet.
The 2023 season saw Hamilton finish third in the drivers' standings, behind the two Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. Mercedes also took second in the constructors' championship, pipping Ferrari and only making sure of their advantage on the final grand prix of the season.
It all starts again this weekend, with the Bahrain Grand Prix kicking the season off on Saturday. Hamilton remains focused on the task at hand, but has suggested not everything is as shipshape as it might be at Mercedes.
"The atmosphere is good in the team," Hamilton told reporters ahead of the new season. "Everyone is really focused. It's always an exciting time of the year when you see everyone come together and getting on with their job.
Mick Schumacher free to race for McLaren in 2023 after Mercedes deal reached
"There's great motivation within the team and we have a better platform to work off from this year," he added, though he also indicated there's some work left to do.
"We still have some problems that we are working through and it's not perfect," the 39-year-old added. "But it's definitely a better starting place compared to the last two years. We are relatively happy in that respect. We are not where we want to be but we will work towards it."
How will Hamilton and Mercedes fare this season? Have your say in the comments section
Lewis Hamilton is set to take over from Carlos Sainz at Ferrari (Getty Images)Hamilton's Ferrari seat in 2025 will come at the expense of Carlos Sainz, who secured the Italian team's only race win in 2023. The Spaniard was asked about the situation ahead of Bahrain, but bore no ill-will towards his incoming successor.
“From my side obviously no hard feelings, with anyone,” Sainz said, per Formula1.com. “I think this is how the sport works. Obviously I have a lot of respect for Lewis, the success he’s had and obviously the choice to join Ferrari. I would have done the same in his position.
“I think Ferrari’s a great team and at some point towards the second half of your career – or at the end, I don’t know where he’s at right now, he only knows – but for sure it’s a team you would like to be part of, so I fully understand that. And [with] someone like Fred [team principal Frederic Vasseur] that he knows and he has a good relationship with and trusts, it’s a no-brainer to go to Ferrari.
"From my side obviously, as I said, no hard feelings. I’m focusing on my future and where am I going to go next, and in the meantime [I will] keep doing the best I can for this team.”
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