Hamilton Explains Mercedes’ Drop in Form After Summer Break

Lewis Hamilton suggested that Mercedes’ decline in competitiveness after the summer break is due to better updates brought by Formula 1 rivals.

Mercedes entered the mid-season break with promising momentum, having secured three victories in the last four races. George Russell ended the team’s long wait for a win in Austria, while Hamilton claimed an emotional victory on home soil at Silverstone and followed it up with another win in Belgium.

However, since the season resumed, Mercedes has struggled, with Russell’s fortunate podium in Baku remaining the only top-three finish for the team in the last five races. The German brand’s decline is attributed to developmental issues arising from an unexpectedly problematic revised floor design.

Mercedes had to abandon some new parts just as both Ferrari and McLaren added significant update packages to move ahead in the standings. Hamilton rejected the notion that the behavior of the W15 has changed in recent races, stating that obtaining more performance through updates is the team’s responsibility.

When asked what has changed with the 2024 car since the break, Hamilton said in Singapore: “I don’t think it has changed. I think others have gained. We brought an update to Spa, but then we didn’t use it. I think from Zandvoort to Monza, other teams, especially Ferrari and I think McLaren, have brought more updates. Ours will come in a few races.”

“I believe McLaren is a rapidly developing team, especially when you look at their impressive rear wing… We just need to wait and see and do our best with what we have.”

Hamilton is pleased to return to Austin. Mercedes is preparing for developments aimed at putting them back in the title race when the season resumes at the United States Grand Prix. Since the Circuit of the Americas joined the F1 calendar in 2012, Hamilton has recorded an impressive five victories at the Texas track.