The latest instalment of Drive to Survive delved into the strained relationship between Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes before his decision to depart.
The seven-time world champion voiced frustration at the team’s disregard for his warnings concerning their inaugural car under Formula 1’s revised technical regulations in 2022.
“I remember complaining to the team and being like, look, we have to make these changes, otherwise this is the trajectory we’re going to go on and this is where we’re going to end up,” Hamilton recounted.
“Please, please do something about it.”
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He recounted a moment when the team rebutted, asserting they knew best: “I remember they said, like, we know what we’re doing, you’re wrong.
And that was definitely an interesting moment.
I was like, okay, I’ll step back, don’t want to step on anybody’s toes. Then when we got into the season, then we spoke again [they said] ‘oh, maybe you were right.'”
Mercedes managed just one victory across the past two seasons with the W13 and its successor, which adhered to a similar conceptual framework.
The team acknowledged altering their approach for the 2024 season, with Hamilton currently testing the new car.
Former technical director Mike Elliott departed last year, paving the way for James Allison’s return to the role.
The Drive to Survive series concluded filming prior to Hamilton’s announcement of his departure from Mercedes at the end of the year, with Ferrari set as his next destination.
In discussions with media last year, Hamilton revealed Mercedes’ increased consultation with him and teammate George Russell regarding the development of the new W15.
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“So it’s much more engaging for both George and I.
We often have meetings where we’re both in that room together so we’re able to really deep-dive on any questions that the engineers don’t potentially get to come to the grands prix, if they’ve had any questions they can ask.”
He also expressed encouragement after visiting the aero department, noting the team’s unwavering determination despite setbacks.