Former Formula 1 driver and current FIA steward Johnny Herbert predicted that Lewis Hamilton will not “just drop” Mercedes in the final races of the season, despite having a tough weekend in Brazil.
Hamilton struggled with pain during practice at Interlagos due to bouncing on the resurfaced track, and he finished 10th in what was a disappointing weekend overall.
After the Brazilian Grand Prix, Hamilton’s radio messages sparked some speculation that he might step out of the car for the remaining races. However, PlanetF1.com understands that his comments were likely about his pit crew, who have been rotating positions. He said: “If this is the last time I get to perform, it’s a shame that it wasn’t great, but grateful for you.”
Hamilton also mentioned that the W15 was “the worst the car’s ever been” as he struggled to finish in the points over the weekend. Now, with a break in the calendar, Hamilton has three more races as a Mercedes driver before his move to Ferrari.
Herbert believes that a lot of Mercedes’ focus and energy will now go to George Russell, who will stay with the team next season. However, he also thinks Hamilton won’t just abandon the team where he’s had most of his success.
“Lewis Hamilton can’t wait to get to Christmas, he says. It is very confusing,” Herbert told SafestBettingSites. “There are times when he shows his real raw speed and then it all vanishes.
How and why does that happen? That’s what I don’t understand. The car is a bit up and down like a yoyo anyway and George has similar issues.”
Herbert added: “Lewis is coming to the end of his time at Mercedes and George is the future. And Antonelli is lined up for next season. They will be favouring George and a lot of the energy and input will be coming from him. They want to make him feel as positive as they can before next season when he is team leader. He is delivering too now.”
Herbert, who has won three Grand Prix races, agreed it would be odd for Hamilton to leave Mercedes early, considering how much success he has had with the team.
“I would be surprised if any racing driver would say he wants out just because it isn’t going well,” Herbert said. “He will still want to finish on a high for the team with whom he’s achieved so much over the years. He won’t just drop them. That is not his style. I’d be very surprised if we see anyone else jumping in before the end of the season.”
