Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, didn’t mince words after a challenging Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that saw him finish a distant seventh. The Mercedes driver openly expressed his frustration with the W16’s performance, suggesting that the issues plaguing his car might not be easily resolved and could cast a shadow over his entire season.
Speaking to reporters after the race, Hamilton’s disappointment was palpable. “The car just didn’t want to go quicker,” he stated, his tone reflecting a deep-seated struggle to extract more pace from his machine. He elaborated on the feeling, indicating a lack of responsiveness and an inability to close the gap to the frontrunners, particularly the dominant Ferraris.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, known for its high-speed sections and demanding nature, often highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each car on the grid. For Hamilton, it appears the circuit amplified the current limitations of his Mercedes. While teammate George Russell managed to secure a podium finish, Hamilton’s struggle painted a starkly different picture within the Brackley-based team.
Hamilton’s comments went beyond a simple post-race lament. His suggestion that these performance deficits could persist throughout the season raises serious questions about Mercedes’ ability to challenge Ferrari and Red Bull in the ongoing championship battle. The Silver Arrows, who have been a dominant force in Formula 1 for much of the past decade, have faced a challenging transition into the new ground effect regulations, and Hamilton’s remarks underscore the ongoing difficulties in unlocking the full potential of their current machinery.
The performance gap to Ferrari, who secured a commanding 1-2 finish with Charles Leclerc leading home Carlos Sainz Jr., was particularly concerning for Hamilton. The Italian team appears to have found a strong rhythm with their SF-25, showcasing impressive pace and consistency across the weekend. Hamilton’s inability to even contend with the Ferraris will undoubtedly be a source of concern for both the driver and the Mercedes strategists.
While one race doesn’t define an entire season, Hamilton’s candid assessment reflects a deeper unease about the fundamental characteristics of the W16. His experience and unparalleled understanding of Formula 1 machinery lend significant weight to his observations.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Mercedes. The team will undoubtedly be analyzing the data from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to identify the root causes of Hamilton’s struggles and explore potential avenues for improvement. However, Hamilton’s words suggest that the solutions might not be straightforward, and the journey back to the front of the grid could be a long and arduous one.
For now, the frustration is evident, and the prospect of a season-long battle with a car that “just didn’t want to go quicker” will undoubtedly weigh heavily on the mind of one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers. The next races will provide a clearer indication of whether Mercedes can address Hamilton’s concerns and reignite their championship aspirations.