Lewis Hamilton Named Biggest Disappointment Of The 2024 Formula One Season By David Coulthard

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Lewis Hamilton's final year with Mercedes in 2024 was challenging, marking a low point in his career. Despite being a seven-time world champion, he finished seventh in the drivers' championship, his worst result ever. David Coulthard, a former Formula One driver, expressed disappointment in Hamilton's performance, noting that he was out-qualified by teammate George Russell on 19 of the 24 circuits.

Hamilton's move to Ferrari for the 2025 season has sparked mixed reactions. While there is excitement about his new journey, concerns linger about his recent form. Coulthard highlighted that Ferrari might worry about Hamilton's performance continuing into the next season. "Ferrari signed him early and everyone was enthusiastic," he said.

Despite some highlights like winning the British Grand Prix, Hamilton struggled overall last season. His victory at Silverstone was his first since Saudi Arabia in 2021. However, these moments were overshadowed by consistent underperformance compared to previous years. Coulthard remarked on Hamilton's inability to find speed during crucial qualifying sessions.

Coulthard acknowledged the controversy of calling Hamilton a disappointment given his illustrious career. "I would still point to Lewis as the biggest disappointment," he stated. He emphasised that great drivers usually manage to extract extra speed when needed, something Hamilton failed to do consistently last year.

Ferrari's decision to sign Hamilton early in 2024 brought immediate benefits. The team's shares surged, potentially offsetting costs associated with hiring him and team principal Frederic Vasseur. Vasseur's familiarity with Hamilton adds another layer of optimism for Ferrari as they look forward to the upcoming season.

This week marked Hamilton’s 40th birthday amid ongoing discussions about his future performance levels. The transition to Ferrari could be a turning point for him, akin to Superman donning his iconic suit. While data-driven results are crucial in Formula One, sometimes change can bring unexpected benefits.

The upcoming season will be pivotal for both Hamilton and Ferrari as they navigate this new partnership. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if this change will revitalise Hamilton’s career or if challenges will persist on the track.