Mercedes F1 faces backlash after a costly error left Hamilton sidelined in his farewell race. Wolff brands it “inexcusable.”
George Russell qualified 7th for Mercedes F1’s final race of 2024 in Abu Dhabi. However, the spotlight was more on his teammate, who failed to progress to Q2 and Q3 despite claiming his W15 was the faster car.
“I’m a bit relieved but puzzled because we were off the pace except at the very start of the weekend.”
“Lewis was faster than me, and the team made a mistake on his side. It’s embarrassing for his last race with us.”
“For the race, everyone’s pace will be close, and we hope for a strong showing.”
Lewis Hamilton, on the other hand, was left stunned. While competing for top positions, Mercedes F1 faltered. He was knocked out in Q1 with the 18th fastest time and will start 16th due to penalties.
“It’s not something you improvise; it’s really impossible, but it is what it is. We gave it our all; I gave it my all. The car was in a good place. Every practice session went well—I was ahead of my teammate all weekend—but when it came to qualifying, I think as a team, we didn’t perform well in terms of timing.”
“I was the last car on track, and I ran out of time in the end. Then I hit the bollard, which went under the car, and I lost all downforce. It couldn’t have been worse.”
He had hoped for better in his final qualifying session with the team.
“Every day, and now more than ever, I’ve just tried to be really present… just trying to enjoy the moment because it’s the last time we’ll race together, the last time I’ll drive a Silver Arrow. These are all my victories, all my successes in life, so every moment is special. I would’ve loved to get a top 3 for the team this weekend, but it didn’t work out—unless there’s a miracle tomorrow.”
“I’ll try. As I said, the car feels good. Moving from 1st or 2nd place, or at least consistently within the top 5, to finishing 18th really changes the weekend’s outlook. But I’m still trying to stay in the moment. I’m always very grateful.”
“The car felt completely different this weekend; it was much more enjoyable to drive, so I had high hopes, but that’s how it is. I’ll try to come back, and a safety car can always change everything here, right?”
A final remark reminiscent of Abu Dhabi 2021…
Toto Wolff, Mercedes F1 team principal, was furious with the team’s execution during Hamilton’s final qualifying session.
“What happened is absolutely inexcusable. Inexcusable. Lewis is with us for his last race, and we need to be smart. But no, let’s aim to finish last!”
“I am so angry about this situation. It’s a disgrace to say goodbye to Lewis like this. There’s no explanation, no excuse for it. It’s incredibly upsetting that such decisions are being made in a world-class team like ours.”
Wolff criticized the risk associated with the strategy used by the Brackley team, insisting that playing it safe was the right approach.
“It’s simple. We wanted so badly to do well for him this weekend, and then it comes down to a stupid mistake. That’s what happens. And this is not how we should or must operate—especially in such an important race. You don’t need to do that; you need to be human. You must play it safe and not… try to look overly clever.”
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Mercedes F1 – an angry team for letting Hamilton down Mercedes F1 – an angry team for letting Hamilton down
