The Las Vegas Grand Prix proved to be an eventful race for Lewis Hamilton, highlighting both his skill and Mercedes’ strategic challenges.
After a stellar start that saw Hamilton charge through the field to second place behind teammate George Russell, his race took a frustrating turn.
A pit stop, while technically smooth, left him rejoining in ninth, sparking heated commentary over team radio.
Hamilton’s dissatisfaction with the strategy was clear: **”What the hell, man? How many places have I just lost?”** It was a stark contrast to the team’s expectations heading into the race, buoyed by Russell’s pole position and strong practice performance.
Yet, the cold temperatures and low-grip conditions of the Las Vegas circuit seemed to expose weaknesses in Mercedes’ calculations, particularly against rivals with better straight-line speed.
Despite the mid-race setback, Hamilton demonstrated resilience, recovering to finish second behind Russell, marking one of his standout performances of the season. The result, however, underscores the gap Mercedes still needs to close to achieve consistent race-winning form.
Off the track, Hamilton’s role as a consultant on Brad Pitt’s Formula One film added a unique twist to the weekend.
Pitt’s playful “fainting” on the track and Hamilton’s earlier comment, **”It’s in his DNA,”** about Pitt’s natural affinity for racing, showcased their camaraderie. Hamilton’s dual focus on racing and Hollywood reflects his expanding influence beyond Formula One, combining entertainment with his relentless pursuit of on-track excellence.
