Lewis Hamilton's pursuit of eighth F1 title hinges on Mercedes' 2024 W15 performance
Lewis Hamilton
In the quest for a historic eighth Formula 1 World Championship, Lewis Hamilton's fate is intertwined with the capabilities of the 2024 Mercedes W15, according to team principal Toto Wolff.
Despite a winless streak since the 2021 Saudi Arabian GP and Red Bull's dominance in 2023, Wolff remains unwavering in his confidence that Hamilton will reclaim the top spot if provided with a competitive car.
Hamilton endured a challenging 2023 season, failing to secure a Grand Prix victory for the second consecutive year. The struggles extended to Mercedes as they went winless for the first time since 2011, grappling with the underperforming W14. In contrast, Max Verstappen, Hamilton's rival, notched up 35 victories and clinched three World Championships.
Wolff acknowledged Hamilton's difficult season but emphasized that it does not diminish his status as one of the greatest drivers in the world. The key, Wolff believes, lies in delivering a formidable car with the upcoming 2024 W15.
"When you have a Formula 1 car like we have now, you will never lead with it and have good and bad weekends," Wolff explained. "But every time we've seen Lewis have a target in front of him, and it was about winning the race, then the real Lewis comes alive. We just need to give him a car, that is the first thing."
The team principal underscored the significance of providing Hamilton with a competitive car to revive his championship aspirations. Despite the disappointing recent performances, Wolff expressed confidence that Hamilton's determination and skill would shine through when presented with an opportunity for victory.
Wolff also shared insights into Mercedes' long-term goals, pointing to a display in their factory showcasing Constructors' World Championship titles since 1958. He highlighted the 27 empty badges, symbolizing future championships, and expressed a desire to see more Mercedes stars added to the list.
"I would like to look back in 20 years and say there are many more Mercedes stars," Wolff remarked. "When we look back in 10 or 20 years and consider the decade we've had [since 2013], it will read second, first, first, first, first, first, first, first, first, third, second."
While acknowledging the team's macro-level success, Wolff emphasized the need for improvement, citing Hamilton's 19-race win in 2023 as insufficient. The pursuit of greatness remains a focal point for Mercedes as they aim to provide Hamilton with the tools to secure an eighth world title, creating a legacy that extends beyond the immediate challenges of the 2023 season.
