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SAD NEWS!!!: Lewis Hamilton’s threat to quit rest of F1 season leaves Mercedes stunned – and raises fears at Ferrari, where he’s signed a £50m-a-year contract
In a move that has sent shockwaves rippling through the Formula 1 community, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has reportedly threatened to walk away from the remainder of the 2024 F1 season, igniting chaos at Mercedes and raising alarm bells at Ferrari — the team he is set to join in 2025 on a jaw-dropping £50 million-a-year contract.
The bombshell dropped late Monday evening, following a dramatic race weekend in São Paulo, where Hamilton was seen exiting the paddock early, visibly frustrated and avoiding the media. Sources close to the Mercedes camp say the British driver has grown increasingly disillusioned with the team’s strategic failures and technical inconsistencies this season.
Mercedes in Turmoil
For a team synonymous with dominance from 2014 to 2020, Mercedes has been struggling to find its former glory. Though there were glimmers of promise earlier this season, internal tensions have escalated as Hamilton’s championship hopes continue to fade.
“It’s not just about the car anymore,” said an anonymous source within Mercedes. “Lewis has reached a point where he feels unheard and unsupported. The Brazil GP was the tipping point.”
At the race, Hamilton qualified third but finished in a disappointing sixth after a series of strategic missteps, including a late pit stop that left him vulnerable to both Red Bull and McLaren attacks. His radio messages during the race were curt and uncharacteristically despondent.
“He doesn’t believe we’re fighting for wins anymore. And when you’ve been at the top, anything less feels like a betrayal of your legacy,” the insider added.
Team Principal Toto Wolff refused to comment directly on Hamilton’s possible exit, but during a brief interview after the race, his tone hinted at concern. “We are committed to finishing the season strong, and we hope Lewis will be with us for every step,” he said.
Ferrari Already on Edge
What’s more worrying is how this development is affecting Ferrari — the legendary Italian team that lured Hamilton away from Mercedes in a sensational multi-year deal reported to be worth £50 million annually, beginning in 2025.
Ferrari executives are said to be “deeply alarmed” by Hamilton’s behavior, worried that the emotional and mental strain he’s exhibiting might carry over into next season. While no official comment has been made by Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur, insiders at Maranello say contingency plans are already being quietly discussed.
“There’s an unspoken fear,” said a Ferrari engineer who asked to remain anonymous. “If Hamilton decides to walk away now, what’s stopping him from doing the same next year?”
Charles Leclerc, who is set to partner with Hamilton at Ferrari next season, was noticeably reserved when asked about the situation. “Lewis is one of the greatest,” he said. “But I think everyone in the sport knows this year has been hard for him. I just hope he finds what he’s looking for.”
The Emotional Toll
Hamilton, 39, has never shied away from expressing his emotions — a trait that has won him admiration from fans and criticism from skeptics. But those closest to him say the emotional burden of carrying an underperforming team, coupled with a demanding travel schedule and public scrutiny, has taken its toll.
“He’s exhausted. Not physically — he’s still in peak condition — but emotionally,” said childhood friend and former karting rival Tyrone McKenzie. “Lewis is someone who gives everything — to his team, to his fans, to the cause of equality and justice. But he’s been feeling empty in return.”
His cryptic social media posts in recent weeks have added fuel to the fire. One Instagram story, posted just hours after the Brazil GP, featured a black screen with the words, “Sometimes silence is the loudest cry.”
What Happens Next?
As rumors swirl, speculation is rife about what Hamilton’s next move might be. Some believe he may take a sabbatical — a full or partial break from racing — citing mental health and the need to reset. Others whisper of a potential early exit from his Mercedes contract, even before the season officially ends.
Should Hamilton decide to leave before the final race in Abu Dhabi, it would mark the first time in over two decades that he failed to complete a full season — an extraordinary end to a historic chapter in F1.
There’s also chatter in the paddock about possible replacements for the remainder of the season, should Mercedes need a stand-in. Reserve driver Mick Schumacher is the most likely candidate, although there are murmurs about a surprise return for Valtteri Bottas, depending on contractual negotiations.
Fans React
The fanbase has erupted in a storm of reactions, ranging from heartfelt support to angry disappointment.
“Whatever he decides, I support him 100%. Mental health comes first,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
Others were less sympathetic: “You’re paid millions to race. You don’t get to walk away when it’s tough.”
Petitions have already started trending online, urging Hamilton to stay, and a group of fans has reportedly booked a plane to display a banner over the Abu Dhabi GP that reads, “DON’T QUIT, LEWIS. F1 NEEDS YOU.”
The Bigger Picture
Hamilton’s uncertain future isn’t just a story about one man. It’s a reflection of the immense pressure top athletes face — especially those who have transcended their sport.
Whether he sees out the 2024 season or not, the situation forces the F1 community to confront larger questions: How do we support athletes behind the scenes? What structures exist for drivers struggling emotionally? And can even the greats be allowed to simply walk away?
For now, the sport waits, breath held, as Hamilton weighs his next move — one that could define not only the remainder of this season but the legacy of a legend.
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