The story of Lewis Hamilton’s 2024 season has been a rollercoaster — a journey that was supposed to be his triumphant swan song with Mercedes has instead been marred by inconsistency, disappointment, and harsh reality checks. Despite some shining moments like his memorable home victory at Silverstone and a strong showing in Spa, the latter half of the season has been a different story, plagued with struggles in Austin, Mexico, and Brazil. This string of underwhelming performances is emblematic of the challenges Mercedes has faced in recent years trying to reclaim their former dominance.
Andrew Shovlin’s recent comments reveal a significant shift in Mercedes’ focus. The team has effectively thrown in the towel on securing a win in the remaining races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. Instead, the priority has become one of learning and preparation for 2025. Shovlin’s remarks indicate a pragmatic approach:
> “Our focus has very much shifted to learning what we need to this year to apply to next year in order to get on top of those issues.”
This signals a conscious decision to forgo chasing immediate results in favor of addressing the underlying issues plaguing the W15, which has struggled to find consistency on varying circuits.
While it’s disheartening for Hamilton fans to see his final season with the team end on a low note, this change in focus could actually serve Mercedes well. Without the pressure of championship battles, they are free to experiment with setups, data collection, and testing potential solutions for next year’s car. This approach, though not as glamorous, might be their best shot at bouncing back in 2025.
Meanwhile, the absence of championship stakes for Mercedes gives them an opportunity to play a different game. For Hamilton, the season’s struggles must be a bitter pill to swallow. His legendary career, filled with records and historic achievements, is ending with a whimper rather than a roar. However, he remains the consummate professional, staying committed to helping the team extract whatever they can from these final races.
Despite the frustrations, Hamilton’s experience and feedback are invaluable assets to Mercedes. The insights gained now could lay the foundation for a competitive package in the years to come — whether it’s for George Russell to lead, or if a new driver steps into the team.
As this challenging season draws to a close, Mercedes fans and the team itself will have to turn their eyes to 2025. The hope is that this year’s hard lessons will fuel a resurgence, with Mercedes using their current struggles to rebuild and come back stronger.
Ultimately, this chapter in Hamilton’s storied career may not end with the fairytale finish many had hoped for, but his influence on Mercedes’ future could leave a lasting legacy beyond trophies.
