Lewis Hamilton’s 2024 season has taken a frustrating turn as he struggles with the Mercedes W5, which he labeled as the “worst car” he’s ever driven after a challenging Brazilian GP weekend.

Despite his previous successes this season, Hamilton finds himself in a difficult position, now trailing teammate George Russell in the Driver’s Championship with only three races remaining.

The seven-time world champion’s dissatisfaction with the W5’s performance was evident, with Hamilton stating that the car’s setup and handling issues—particularly in rear grip and suspension—make it feel as rigid as a “plank of wood,” impacting his ability to navigate corners and maintain speed.

The weekend in Brazil proved to be a tipping point. Starting with an underwhelming qualifying performance that saw him exit early, Hamilton continued to struggle during the race, finishing 10th in stark contrast to Russell, who held his position effectively throughout. This disappointing finish led Hamilton to express frustration over the team’s setup and the car’s unpredictability under different track conditions, calling the Brazilian GP “a disaster of a weekend.” This cryptic message hinted at deeper issues with Mercedes’ current car and perhaps even Hamilton’s future with the team.

Trackside engineer Andrew Shovlin acknowledged Hamilton’s struggles, noting the team’s difficulty in achieving optimal setups for the W5. Unlike in previous years, where Hamilton was known for pushing his car to the limit, this season has seen him trailing, struggling against younger drivers, and feeling increasingly isolated within the team. Shovlin confirmed that Mercedes is working to address the rear grip issues, but Hamilton’s message indicates frustration with the lack of progress, especially when Russell appears to manage the car better in comparable conditions.

The Mercedes camp is under added scrutiny, as some fans and insiders suggest that the team might be prioritizing Russell for the future, given Hamilton’s rumored retirement plans. With the arrival of Frederik Vesti as a potential successor, it appears that Mercedes is already planning for a post-Hamilton era. These dynamics have fueled speculation that the team may be more focused on Russell’s championship prospects, possibly at Hamilton’s expense. Hamilton, meanwhile, has hinted that he would prefer to skip the final races or even explore a fresh start with Ferrari in 2025, a move that could offer him a final chance to secure an elusive eighth title.

Commentary from F1 pundits, including Johnny Herbert, reinforces the sentiment that Hamilton may be at a career crossroads, with his driving style seemingly at odds with the W5’s limitations. While Hamilton remains a formidable competitor, this season has exposed the challenges faced by veteran drivers adapting to new car technology and ground-effect aerodynamics, which have dominated F1’s recent developments. Herbert suggested that Hamilton’s age may be showing as he struggles to keep pace with younger rivals who have adapted more seamlessly to the current regulations.

Ultimately, Hamilton’s future with Mercedes remains uncertain. The team is reportedly unwilling to release him before the season’s end, with Hamilton’s responsibilities extending beyond the last race, likely due to tire testing obligations. As the F1 season nears its conclusion, Hamilton’s dissatisfaction with the W5 and Mercedes’ handling of the car’s issues underscore a potentially bittersweet end to his tenure with the team. Whether he opts to continue in F1 with Ferrari or chooses to step away, Hamilton’s legacy remains secure. However, the immediate question lingers: Can he find satisfaction in his final races with Mercedes, or will his frustration overshadow what could be his closing chapter with the team that has defined much of his storied career?