Mercedes has made headlines with a series of setbacks following the United States and Mexican Grands Prix, leaving the team in a precarious position as Lewis Hamilton’s final season with Mercedes winds down. After a difficult weekend at the U.S.

Grand Prix, where both Hamilton and his teammate George Russell struggled with Mercedes’ W15, the team now faces additional budgetary concerns and challenges with car stability, which may affect its performance in the final races of the season.

Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, voiced his frustration, admitting that Mercedes appears to have exhausted all options to improve the car’s pace. In Austin, the team’s attempts to adjust the car’s rear wing before qualifying did not yield positive results, and Hamilton struggled with the W15’s handling.

Hamilton was ultimately out-qualified by his younger teammate, Russell, who started from the pit lane but managed to finish sixth. Russell’s crash during practice and another incident during qualifying also added to the cost burden, a concern that has grown as the team attempts to stay within F1’s cost cap for the season.

According to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, the team is facing heightened pressure to manage expenses as they repair Russell’s chassis before next weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix. Wolff remains confident, however, that recent upgrades to the W15 can still deliver valuable performance. He noted that while the Circuit of the Americas’ bumpy surface created handling issues, the upgrades themselves are essential for potential gains.

Technical Director James Allison echoed this view, suggesting that Mercedes’ aggressive setup in Austin may have pushed the W15 too close to the ground, resulting in an unstable performance. He acknowledged that while lowering the car improves speed, it also increases susceptibility to bumps, which likely contributed to the challenges faced in Austin.

The U.S. Grand Prix also brought a tough moment for rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who crashed in his Formula 1 debut practice session in Monza. Nevertheless, Mercedes remains committed to the young driver, announcing that Antonelli will drive Hamilton’s car in the first practice session in Mexico City. This opportunity allows Antonelli to gain crucial experience on an unfamiliar circuit, preparing him for his role as George Russell’s teammate in 2025.

As Hamilton’s time with Mercedes draws to a close, he remains hopeful for a strong finish. Despite facing difficulties, he has secured two race wins in 2024 and aims to achieve one more before moving to Ferrari next season. With only a few races left, Mercedes will be looking to maximize their performance and navigate the financial constraints imposed by the cost cap, all while setting the stage for the future.