Hamilton admits he ‘didn’t want to come back’ after Brazil struggles as he looks ahead to final three races at Mercedes
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton spoke of strong emotions after a difficult weekend at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion initially left feeling like he “really didn’t want to come back.”
Hamilton struggled to control his car in all sorts of weather conditions at the Interlagos circuit, calling it “out of control” after being eliminated in Q1 and describing it as “the wildest race I’ve ever had” after scoring the race’s final points. “If this is the last time I race, it’s a shame it’s not so great, but I’m grateful,” Hamilton said on the radio as he returned to the pits, drawing widespread media coverage.
Asked about the message ahead of this weekend’s performance in Las Vegas, Hamilton replied: “That’s exactly how I felt at that moment. I didn’t really want to come back after that weekend, but I think that’s only natural.
Hamilton struggled with the handling of his Mercedes throughout the Interlagos weekend
“It’s frustrating when you have a season like this, which I’m pretty sure I won’t have again, or at least I’ll work towards not having again. 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 the last few races.”
Hamilton was also asked for his take on quotes attributed to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff in a new behind-the-scenes book about life at the team, with the Austrian stating that “everyone has a shelf-life” ahead of the Briton’s move to Ferrari.
READ MORE: ‘I heard the bells ringing’ – Wolff reveals who first told him Hamilton had decided to leave Mercedes for Ferrari
Wolff went on to clarify those comments, stating in an interview with BBC Radio 4 that they were “taken out of context”, while stressing the 39-year-old remains “very sharp” and “very much there when the car is right”. In response, Hamilton made clear that he “genuinely still loves” those around him at Mercedes and vowed to “give them the best I can” across the final triple-header sequence in Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
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Hamilton suggests Mercedes will find Las Vegas \’a real challenge\’
On whether he feels the need to prove a point to Wolff, Hamilton said: “No. I think just me being here, standing tall… I feel strong. Honestly, I feel like I’m in a better place than I’ve been all year. Considering how bad the last race was, I think that’s good enough. “I’ve been in this game for a long time. There were so many things in me, so there were so many micro attacks … I haven’t talked from my boss. Refers to the media in general.
Read more: Vasser outlines plans for Hamilton’s first test in former car and arrival at Ferrari
“Nothing can break me, that’s why I’m still here, I’m still fighting and I’ll keep fighting. I have a team that I really like and even if I leave, I want to give them my best in the next races. “
He concludes with a smile: “If they give me a car that I want to stay on the track, I hope we can achieve better results. »
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