Lewis Hamilton Slams His Own Performance Despite P4 Finish at Austrian GP
During the Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg, Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. While Mercedes teammate George Russell clinched a dramatic victory, Hamilton could only muster a fourth-place finish and was far from happy with his performance.
A Tale of Two Halves at Mercedes
The day was bittersweet for Mercedes. On one side of the garage, George Russell celebrated an exhilarating win, taking advantage of a significant collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. However, on the other side, Hamilton found himself grappling with what he deemed a 'shocking' performance.
READ MORE: ‘The single dumbest thing I’ve done’ – Wolff reflects on ‘embarrassing’ radio message that ‘could have taken’ Russell out of Austrian GPHamilton's Struggles on Race Day
Hamilton began the race strongly, surpassing Carlos Sainz's Ferrari and briefly contesting Russell for the third place. The duo traded positions on Lap 3, but Hamilton was instructed to concede his place back to Sainz for allegedly gaining an advantage by leaving the track.
The situation worsened on Lap 23 when Hamilton incurred a five-second penalty for sliding over the pit lane entry line—a mistake he promptly apologized for over the radio. Mercedes' Team Principal Toto Wolff attempted to lift spirits, exclaiming, “Lewis, there is everything to play, everything to play!” But Hamilton's post-race disposition revealed his sense of defeat.
When asked about his performance, Hamilton didn’t hold back in his criticism. “Pretty shocking, but really happy for the team,” he told Sky Sports F1. “Everyone at the factory has worked so hard this year to get a result like this. So big congratulations to the team and to George. Well deserved.”
What Went Wrong?
Pressed on why he described his performance as 'shocking,' Hamilton was candid. “Just me. Been pretty s*** all weekend. It’s not for the lack of trying but [I’m] just generally slow and it’s just not acceptable,” he said, laying bare his frustration.
He also disclosed that his race had been compromised due to damage his car sustained during a collision with Carlos Sainz in Lap 1. “I had some damage on the car; I think Sainz and I touched,” he remarked. “There’s a mark on the side of the car, which is why I went wide in Turn 1.”
Looking Ahead
Despite Hamilton’s personal disappointment, the Grand Prix marked a crucial milestone for Mercedes. The team celebrated their first victory in 33 races, dating back to Russell’s win at the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. As the next race at Silverstone looms, both drivers will be eager to capitalize on their recent podium finishes and maintain their upward trajectory.
READ MORE: Russell ecstatic after ‘picking up the pieces’ from Verstappen/Norris collision to claim second Grand Prix winA Turning Point for Mercedes?
With the upcoming British Grand Prix, a home race for both Hamilton and Russell, Mercedes fans have ample reason to be optimistic. The three consecutive podium finishes suggest a resurgence for a team that had nothing to flaunt earlier in the season.
Hamilton’s self-critique might be a short-term blow, but it also highlights his relentless drive for perfection. As Mercedes continues to evolve, the lessons from the Austrian GP could serve as a pivotal moment in their quest to reclaim dominance in Formula 1.
READ MORE: 5 Winners and 5 Losers from Austria – Who took advantage in an action-packed Spielberg blockbuster?Keep your eyes peeled as the Formula 1 season heads towards Silverstone. What’s next for Hamilton? Can Mercedes harness this newfound momentum to continue their upward trajectory? Only time will tell.