FIA steward and former F1 driver Johnny Herbert believes Lewis Hamilton “won’t just drop” Mercedes for the final few races, even after a challenging weekend in Brazil.
Hamilton experienced discomfort during practice at Interlagos due to bouncing on the resurfaced track and ultimately finished 10th in what was a tough weekend. His comments on the team radio after the Brazilian Grand Prix sparked rumors that he might leave the car for the last races, though sources like PlanetF1.com suggest his message likely referred to his pit crew’s rotation system.
Hamilton had said, “If this is the last time I get to perform, it’s a shame that it wasn’t great, but grateful for you.” Frustrated with the W15 car, which he called “the worst the car’s ever been,” Hamilton faces three remaining races with Mercedes before his move to Ferrari.
Herbert speculates that Mercedes may now focus their “energy and input” on George Russell, who will stay with the team next season. However, Herbert thinks Hamilton won’t abandon the team that has brought him so much success.
“Lewis Hamilton can’t wait to get to Christmas, he says. It is very confusing,” Herbert told SafestBettingSites. “There are times when he shows his real raw speed, and then it all vanishes. How and why does that happen? That’s what I don’t understand.” He continued, “Lewis is coming to the end of his time at Mercedes, and George is the future.”
Herbert expects Mercedes to favor Russell to prepare him as next season’s team leader. Still, he believes Hamilton will finish strong for Mercedes. “I would be surprised if any racing driver would say he wants out just because it isn’t going well,” Herbert noted. “He won’t just drop them. That is not his style.”