Lewis Hamilton says he considered leaving Mercedes prematurely after enduring a challenging weekend at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion, who will join Ferrari at the end of the season, hinted at his feelings during the race when he remarked over team radio that it could be his “last time” driving for Mercedes.
Later, Hamilton expressed that he “could happily go and take a holiday.”
Following the race, Mercedes downplayed Hamilton’s remarks, suggesting they were directed toward team members who would not accompany the team to the season’s final three races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
However, speaking on Wednesday in Las Vegas, Hamilton admitted that his feelings were genuine in the heat of the moment.
He said: “I mean, in the moment that’s how I felt, like I didn’t really want to come back after that weekend.
“It wasn’t a great feeling in that moment, but I’m here, I’m standing strong, and I’m going to give it absolutely everything for these last few races.
Lewis opens up on the way he was feeling post São Paulo 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/6tOXbaGGFh
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) NOVEMBER 21, 2024
“I’ve got a team that I genuinely still love, and even though I am leaving, I want to make sure I give them the best I can in these next races.
“If they provide a car that wants to stay on track, then hopefully we’ll have a better result.”
Hamilton also addressed recent comments made by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
Wolff had stated that he “liked” Hamilton’s decision to leave, suggesting it avoided a scenario where the team might have had to part ways with the 105-time race winner.
While Wolff later clarified that his statements had been “taken a little bit out of context,” the Briton was asked if he felt the need to prove anything to his soon-to-be former boss.
He added: “No. Just me being here, standing tall, I feel strong. I’ve been training well, I feel great… considering how bad the last race was, I think that says enough.
“There’s been so many micro-aggressions – not from my boss, because he’s been supportive over all these years – but in general, within the media. And nothing can take me down.”
