Hamilton's 'Worst Season Ever' After Disappointing Las Vegas GP

Lewis Hamilton, visibly despondent, described his performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix as part of the "worst season ever," after finishing a disappointing 10th. The Mercedes driver's brief post-race interview underscored a frustrating weekend and a challenging 2023 campaign for the seven-time world champion.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's candid assessment highlights the struggles Mercedes has faced this season, failing to consistently challenge Red Bull for race wins and the championship. For a driver of Hamilton's caliber, accustomed to battling at the front, such a statement reflects deep frustration and the pressing need for Mercedes to deliver a more competitive car in the upcoming seasons.

The details:

• Hamilton started the Las Vegas Grand Prix from 10th position, indicating a tough qualifying session that set the tone for his race.
• During the race, he incurred a five-second penalty for contact with Oscar Piastri, further hindering his progress and dropping him down the order.
• Despite the penalty, Hamilton managed to recover some positions, ultimately finishing 10th and securing a single point for Mercedes.
• Post-race, his interview was notably brief, with Hamilton stating, "It was not a great race. I really struggled with the tires at the beginning. And then the pace was just not there."
• He added, "It's just been a very difficult car, and this is probably the worst season ever for me. Hopefully, next year, we'll be better."
• This result marks another race in a season where Mercedes has struggled to match the dominant pace of Red Bull, particularly Max Verstappen.

The big picture:

The 2023 season has been a challenging one for Hamilton and Mercedes. While they secured second place in the Constructors' Championship, they have been unable to consistently challenge for race victories, a stark contrast to their previous era of dominance. The W14 car has shown flashes of potential but has often suffered from unpredictable performance and a narrow operating window, making it difficult for Hamilton and teammate George Russell to extract maximum performance consistently.

What's next:

Mercedes is now fully focused on developing their 2024 challenger, hoping to rectify the issues that have plagued their recent cars. Hamilton's frustration underscores the pressure on the team to deliver a competitive car that allows him to contend for race wins and, ultimately, an eighth world championship. The off-season will be crucial for the team to regroup and address the fundamental design philosophy of their car, aiming for a significant step forward next year.