4.3 C
Cheshire
Saturday, March 15, 2025

Formula 1: Hamilton admits he wanted to quit Mercedes after Sao Paulo GP

Lewis Hamilton says he considered leaving Mercedes prematurely after enduring a challenging weekend at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion, who will join Ferrari at the end of the season, hinted at his feelings during the race when he remarked over team radio that it could be his “last time” driving for Mercedes.

Later, Hamilton expressed that he “could happily go and take a holiday.”

Following the race, Mercedes downplayed Hamilton’s remarks, suggesting they were directed toward team members who would not accompany the team to the season’s final three races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.

However, speaking on Wednesday in Las Vegas, Hamilton admitted that his feelings were genuine in the heat of the moment.

He said: “I mean, in the moment that’s how I felt, like I didn’t really want to come back after that weekend.

“It wasn’t a great feeling in that moment, but I’m here, I’m standing strong, and I’m going to give it absolutely everything for these last few races.

“I’ve got a team that I genuinely still love, and even though I am leaving, I want to make sure I give them the best I can in these next races.

“If they provide a car that wants to stay on track, then hopefully we’ll have a better result.”

Hamilton also addressed recent comments made by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

Wolff had stated that he “liked” Hamilton’s decision to leave, suggesting it avoided a scenario where the team might have had to part ways with the 105-time race winner.

While Wolff later clarified that his statements had been “taken a little bit out of context,” the Briton was asked if he felt the need to prove anything to his soon-to-be former boss.

He added: “No. Just me being here, standing tall, I feel strong. I’ve been training well, I feel great… considering how bad the last race was, I think that says enough.

“There’s been so many micro-aggressions – not from my boss, because he’s been supportive over all these years – but in general, within the media. And nothing can take me down.”

Mitch Fretton
Mitch is a freelance sports journalist with experience working for LiveScore, GOAL and Colchester United. He has experience working from both his desk at home and in the press box at games covering the Champions League and international football.
spot_imgspot_img

Latest

Black Banx’s billion dollar growth: What’s next for 2025?

The fintech industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace,...

EW Awards launched to find Chester’s “brilliant young business brains”

Chester's "brilliant young business brains" will be honoured in...

Circus, carnival and world premiere bound for Northwich

Tap dancing taps, tea dancing cuppas and a colourful...

Celebrate what makes this county great on Cheshire Day

Cheshire Day, which takes place on March 30, is...
spot_imgspot_img

Newsletter

Don't miss

Celebrate what makes this county great on Cheshire Day

Cheshire Day, which takes place on March 30, is...

Fraudster sentenced after stealing almost £80,000 from employer

A man who stole almost £80,000 from his employer...

Bentley’s Crewe HQ sets up for all-electric future

Bentley Motors has officially broken ground on its new...

Spreadex Cheltenham Bonus – £40 in Cheltenham Free Bets 2025

Cheltenham is almost upon us, and that means we're...

More News

Liverpool FC freeze season ticket prices for 2025/26

Liverpool FC will freeze general admission and season ticket prices for the 2025/26 season. The club held engagement discussions with its official Supporters Board on...

Luke ‘The Nuke’ celebrates Worlds Darts win with 24-carat gold phone

Darts superstar Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler has marked his World Darts Championship triumph by awarding himself a bespoke 24-carat gold iPhone 16 Pro Max,...

LFC and studio A24 team up for Bill Shankly inspired drama series

The award-winning studio A24 is turning its gaze to Liverpool Football Club and developing a TV series focusing on the reign of legendary Reds’...