Lewis Hamilton steered he would like to “take a holiday” than drive his Mercedes for the rest of the 2024 Formulation 1 season after a vastly disappointing Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion took only one level from the Dash weekend – by advantage of ending tenth in Sunday’s race at Interlagos – after making early exits from each qualifying classes.
Hamilton’s Sunday exhibiting was made to look even worse by the efficiency of his team-mate George Russell, who certified second and appeared to have a powerful likelihood of victory earlier than dropping the lead in a questionable pit cease name by the Silver Arrows.
“We were just slow,” Hamilton advised Sky Sports activities F1. “The car was really, really tough.
“The crew might have gained additionally as we speak, so at the very least one automotive was behaving so much higher.”
Hamilton now has simply three races remaining with Mercedes earlier than he strikes to Ferrari subsequent season, with emotional scenes anticipated because the 12-year partnership involves an finish.
It was due to this fact considerably shocking to listen to a despondent Hamilton admit he has little want to maintain driving the W15 on the remaining races in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
“It’s like a plank of wood. It’s like, no suspension,” he added.
“It’s bouncing on the tyres everywhere and you can’t get on the power anywhere. It’s just the worst ride, I think the worst ride that we’ve definitely ever had, particularly through corners. It’s just so stiff.
“However hopefully we cannot have any extra bumpy tracks. I believe the final three aren’t so bumpy. However yeah, I might fortunately go and take a vacation.”
‘The greatest honour of my career’ – Hamilton emotional at Senna car run
While he may have endured one of the most difficult weekends of his illustrious career, Hamilton could at least take one cherished memory away from Interlagos this year after he drove one of his hero Ayrton Senna’s old McLarens ahead of the race around the legendary Brazilian’s home track.
Hamilton, who has a special affinity with Brazil and was in 2022 awarded honorary citizenship of the country, drove the McLaren MP4/5B from 1990 – the year Senna won his second of three world titles.
“It’s totally, very emotional, naturally,” stated Hamilton afterwards after receiving an enormous ovation from the group.
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Forward of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton drove Ayrton Senna’s 1990 championship-winning McLaren MP4/5B in tribute to the F1 legend
“I was just revisiting my childhood as I was watching [Ayrton] race here as a kid. Hearing that sound and… watching him drive here, winning that race, I just couldn’t believe that I just had that chance to do that, and it was really the greatest honour of my career.
“To do it right here in entrance of this lovely crowd right here in Brazil, who stood out within the rain all day yesterday, after which have been right here since 4am or 3am this morning.
“A very, very special day.”
Formulation 1 returns after a three-week break with the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 22-24, reside on Sky Sports activities F1. Get Sky Sports activities F1 to observe each race and extra
