Hamilton laments ‘undriveable’ Mercedes after Q1 exit in Sao Paulo qualifying as Russell celebrates P2 result…..

The Sao Paulo Grand Prix has always been a significant stop in the Formula 1 calendar, with the Interlagos circuit often producing thrilling and unpredictable races. However, the 2024 edition of the race brought an unexpected twist, with Mercedes’ seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton bowing out shockingly in Q1, lamenting what he called an “undriveable” car. While Hamilton’s early exit stunned fans, his teammate George Russell managed to pull out a sensational qualifying session, securing a front-row P2 start. The contrasting fortunes of the two Mercedes drivers highlighted the unpredictable nature of motorsport, leaving the team grappling with how they had gotten it so wrong for one of their greatest stars while simultaneously celebrating an impressive result for their younger driver.

Lewis Hamilton’s Struggles in Q1

It was a disastrous day for Lewis Hamilton, who has enjoyed a storied history at Interlagos, famously winning his first world title here in 2008 and putting in several iconic drives over the years. However, the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix saw him suffer one of his worst qualifying sessions in recent memory. Hamilton’s struggles with his car started right from the beginning of the weekend, but few could have predicted just how difficult his qualifying session would be.

From the first lap in Q1, Hamilton’s frustrations were clear over the team radio. He reported issues with the balance and handling of the car, describing it as “undriveable” on multiple occasions. His lap times were well off the pace, and despite the team making adjustments in a frantic attempt to salvage his session, nothing seemed to work.

As the clock ticked down, Hamilton found himself languishing near the bottom of the timing sheets, with the car seemingly unable to generate the grip needed to challenge for a higher position. His best effort, a lap time significantly slower than those expected from a championship contender, left him stuck in 18th place—his earliest exit from qualifying in years.

In the post-qualifying interview, Hamilton did not mince his words. “This car was just undriveable today. I’ve never felt anything like it in terms of instability, especially here at Interlagos where I’ve usually been strong. It’s massively disappointing. We have a lot to look into because the car was all over the place, no grip, no balance—it’s not what I expected coming into this weekend,” said Hamilton, his frustration palpable.

The incident marks a significant setback for Hamilton, who has been struggling to find consistency throughout the 2024 season. While he remains a formidable force on the grid, this qualifying result further highlights the challenging season Mercedes has endured as they continue to search for answers to the problems that have plagued them in recent months.

Russell’s Triumph: A Tale of Two Mercedes

In stark contrast to Hamilton’s misfortune, George Russell had one of his best qualifying performances of the year, securing an impressive P2 start for the race. Russell, who has steadily been building his confidence and consistency throughout the season, found himself capitalizing on the pace that seemed to elude his more experienced teammate.

Russell’s Q2 and Q3 sessions were marked by near-flawless driving, with the young Brit carefully navigating the challenging Interlagos circuit. He appeared to be in sync with his car, displaying confidence in both the high-speed corners and the twisty, technical sections. As the session progressed, it became clear that Russell was a serious contender for the front row, going head-to-head with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

Ultimately, Russell’s efforts paid off, and he secured P2, just behind Verstappen, with a lap time that was only a fraction of a second off the reigning world champion. It was a remarkable achievement for the 26-year-old, who has faced his own set of struggles in what has been a mixed season for Mercedes.

After the session, a jubilant Russell was quick to acknowledge the significance of his result. “It feels amazing to be up there in P2, especially after the tough season we’ve had. The car felt really good today, and we’ve made some big strides in the setup this weekend. It’s tough for Lewis, and I know the team is working hard to understand what happened there, but we have a great opportunity in the race tomorrow, and I’ll be giving it everything,” said Russell, exuding confidence.

Russell’s strong performance reignited hopes within the Mercedes camp that the team could still salvage something from the race weekend, even as Hamilton faces the daunting task of trying to fight his way through the field from 18th on the grid.

Mercedes’ Internal Struggles and Technical Challenges

The contrasting results between Hamilton and Russell are reflective of the broader struggles Mercedes has faced throughout the 2024 season. Once the dominant force in Formula 1, the team has struggled to adapt to the new regulations and technical developments that have come into play over the past two seasons. The car’s unpredictable handling and inconsistency have left both drivers frustrated at various points in the year, though Russell seems to have adapted better to the 2024 chassis than Hamilton.

Technical director Mike Elliott addressed the issues plaguing Hamilton’s car in his post-qualifying comments, suggesting that the team would be conducting an immediate investigation into the setup differences between the two cars. “We’re really scratching our heads at the moment. Clearly, something went wrong with Lewis’s car, and we’ll be looking into every detail to understand where the problem lies. George’s car was performing well, so it’s a strange situation, but we’ll be working through the night to find a solution,” said Elliott.

Mercedes has been experimenting with various updates throughout the season, but finding the right balance between speed, downforce, and handling has proven elusive. The team’s aerodynamic package, in particular, has been a point of contention, with both drivers reporting unpredictable handling under braking and through high-speed corners.

The issues with Hamilton’s car in Sao Paulo seem to be the culmination of a season-long struggle with the Mercedes W14, a car that has often looked competitive but has rarely delivered consistent results. While Russell’s P2 suggests that the team is still capable of producing strong results on its day, the inconsistency between the two drivers’ experiences with the car is a worrying sign for Mercedes as they look ahead to the 2025 season.

The Bigger Picture: Hamilton’s Future and Mercedes’ Long-Term Strategy

As the 2024 season draws to a close, the big question surrounding Mercedes is how they plan to bounce back from what has been a disappointing year by their high standards. For Lewis Hamilton, who has been at the forefront of the team’s success for over a decade, the struggles of 2024 have raised questions about his future in the sport.

Hamilton has made it clear that he is still passionate about racing and believes he can add to his tally of seven world championships, but days like the Sao Paulo qualifying only serve to highlight the uphill battle he faces. At 39 years old, Hamilton remains one of the most talented drivers on the grid, but with younger talents like Russell and Verstappen dominating the front rows, the pressure is mounting for Mercedes to provide a car that can consistently challenge for victories.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been vocal in his support of Hamilton, reaffirming the team’s commitment to providing him with a car capable of winning races. However, Wolff also acknowledged that the team’s focus is shifting towards the long-term development of the next generation of cars, with an eye on the 2025 regulations.

“There’s no question that Lewis is still one of the best drivers in the world, and we want to give him the car he deserves,” said Wolff. “At the same time, we have to be realistic about where we are as a team and focus on building for the future. George has shown that we have the potential to be competitive, and we’re working hard to ensure that both drivers have the tools they need to succeed.”

George Russell: The Emerging Star

While Hamilton’s future remains a topic of speculation, George Russell’s rise within the Mercedes team has been one of the standout stories of the 2024 season. The 26-year-old Brit has steadily grown into his role as Hamilton’s teammate, showing a maturity and composure that has earned him respect both within the team and across the paddock.

Russell’s P2 result in Sao Paulo is further proof that he is ready to lead Mercedes into the next era of Formula 1. His ability to extract the maximum performance from a car that has often been difficult to drive is a testament to his growing skillset, and his consistency throughout the season has made him a formidable competitor.

As Mercedes looks ahead to the future, Russell will undoubtedly be a key figure in their plans. His partnership with Hamilton has been largely harmonious, with both drivers expressing mutual respect for each other’s abilities. However, as Russell continues to improve, the dynamic between the two could shift, particularly if Hamilton’s struggles persist.

The Road Ahead: Can Mercedes Bounce Back?

The 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix qualifying session has once again highlighted the challenges facing Mercedes as they try to reclaim their status as the dominant force in Formula 1. While George Russell’s P2 result offers a glimmer of hope, Lewis Hamilton’s Q1 exit underscores the inconsistency that has plagued the team all season.

For Mercedes, the focus now shifts to understanding the root cause of Hamilton’s struggles and ensuring that both drivers have a competitive car for the race. The team will also be looking ahead to the 2025 season, where they hope to return to the top of the grid with a more consistent and competitive package.

As for Lewis Hamilton, his future in Formula 1 remains uncertain. While he is still one of the sport’s most iconic figures, the frustrations of 2024 have raised questions