An FIA steward believes Lewis Hamilton has become a victim of favoritism as he struggles during a difficult late season.
After announcing his move from Mercedes to Ferrari earlier this year, Hamilton’s final season with the team has been marked by inconsistent performances.
Despite winning at Silverstone and Spa, he has often been frustrated with his results, especially following the recent triple-header races.
Hamilton suffered a crash in Austin and finished a disappointing 10th in Brazil, criticizing the car’s performance in Sao Paulo, calling it the “worst ride it’s ever had.”
His recent performances have raised questions about his driving abilities, especially as teammate George Russell has outperformed him in recent races.
In post-race interviews, Hamilton has appeared visibly frustrated, leading FIA steward and former F1 driver Johnny Herbert to suggest that part of Hamilton’s decline can be attributed to Mercedes shifting its focus toward the future.
With Russell set to take the team’s lead in 2025, Herbert believes the team’s energy is increasingly directed towards preparing him for the role, while Hamilton’s time at Mercedes comes to an end.
Herbert commented, “Lewis can’t wait for Christmas, it’s very confusing. Sometimes he shows his raw speed, then it disappears.
The car is up and down, but George is facing similar issues. Lewis is nearing the end of his time with Mercedes, and George is their future.
With Antonelli coming in next season, the team is focused on supporting George and ensuring he feels positive before he steps into the leadership role. He’s already delivering.”
