Lewis Hamilton’s uncertainty over remaining with Mercedes for the remainder of his profession was obvious in a conversation he held with crew principal Toto Wolff throughout the 2023 Formula 1 season, the discharge of season six of Netflix’s Drive to Survive has revealed.
The newest sequence of the documentary has an episode centered on Hamilton contemplating his future with the crew amid a second successive disappointing marketing campaign for Mercedes.
Hamilton in the end signed a contract extension with Mercedes in August that was anticipated to preserve him with the crew till the tip of 2025, however he then surprised the sporting world earlier in February by taking over a break clause to be part of Ferrari for the 2025 season.
The behind-the-scenes footage gives perception to the mindset of the seven-time world champion, who appeared to be having doubts over remaining with the Silver Arrows.
The conversation between the pair exhibits Hamilton expressing his issues over Mercedes’ lack of efficiency and Wolff trying to persuade the Brit that he ought to stay with the crew till and past the tip of his driving profession.
“For me, personally, when you see the step that Aston Martin made over the winter, show that if we get it right with the concept of the car, the aero and the balance, we can win a championship,” Wolff says.
Martin Brundle provides his view on what we will count on from Lewis Hamilton’s closing season at Mercedes and why he might look to convey some acquainted faces with him to Ferrari.
“But I don’t want to wait until 2026 when we have the new engine regulations.”
Hamilton replies: “Frick, me neither. You can be here for like 20 more years, 30 more years, I can’t.”
Wolff responds: “Well, who says that?
Before in what now appears to be a foreboding remark, Hamilton says: “These are valuable years for me. I do not know.”
Attempting to ease Hamilton’s doubts, Wolff says: “Lewis, you are rather more than a racing driver, rather more than the seven-time world champion. You are one of many those that lead this crew ahead.”
Ahead of his final season with team, Hamilton is set to make his 2024 pre-season testing debut on Thursday, live on Sky Sports F1, after team-mate George Russell drove the W15 on Wednesday.
All 10 episodes of Formula 1: Drive to Survive are available on Netflix from Friday, February 23. Sky customers can access Netflix via Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream.
Sky Sports F1’s pre-season testing schedule
Thursday February 22 – Day Two
- 6.50am-11.05am: Morning Session
- 11.55am-4.05pm: Afternoon Session
- 8pm: Testing Wrap
- 8.30pm: Ted’s Testing Notebook
Friday February 23 – Day Three
- 6.50am-11.05am: Morning Session
- 11.55am-4.05pm: Afternoon Session
- 8pm: Testing Wrap
- 8.30pm: Ted’s Testing Notebook
- 9pm: Development Corner
When is the primary F1 race?
Just one week after testing, the opening race of the 2024 season will start with the Bahrain Grand Prix from February 29 to March 2.
Due to the Muslim holy interval of Ramadan, the Bahrain and, seven days later, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, will probably be held on a Saturday.
This means follow one and two will happen on Thursdays, with closing follow and qualifying on Fridays.
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Watch pre-season testing stay and then each spherical of the brand new season, beginning with the Bahrain Grand Prix from February 29-March 2. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports Month Membership
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