Lewis Hamilton is no stranger to success. Over the years, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion has redefined the limits of what a driver can achieve in motorsport. However, the 2024 season was a stark reminder that even the best can face turbulent times. For Hamilton, the year was filled with struggles that left many wondering what went wrong. From technical setbacks to fierce competition, multiple factors played a role in his inability to dominate the grid as he once did. According to predictions from the BetBonanza app, Lewis Hamilton is seen as a strong contender to reclaim the championship title in the upcoming Formula 1 season. For more details about such betting platforms and their features, visit Beton.ng.
The car Hamilton relied on, the Mercedes W15, was a constant source of frustration. Despite the team’s reputation for delivering engineering masterpieces, the W15 proved challenging to handle. Early in the season, porpoising issues resurfaced, making the car unpredictable on straights and corners. This aerodynamic instability became painfully evident during races such as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Hamilton reported discomfort severe enough to cause physical strain. Mercedes engineers introduced upgrades mid-season, attempting to stabilize the car’s performance. While these tweaks showed occasional promise, such as in Belgium, the car remained inconsistent. This inconsistency often left Hamilton fighting midfield battles instead of competing for race wins.
Qualifying sessions added another layer of complexity to Hamilton’s season. Starting from the front of the grid has historically been one of his strengths, but 2024 told a different story. Hamilton frequently found himself outqualified by his younger teammate George Russell. Out of 22 races, Russell outpaced him in 13 qualifying sessions, leaving Hamilton to start behind in critical moments. Monaco, one of the most challenging circuits for overtaking, highlighted the consequences of poor qualifying. Starting from seventh, Hamilton’s race was effectively over before it began, as he struggled to find opportunities to move up the field.
The competitive landscape in Formula 1 also shifted dramatically in 2024. Red Bull Racing retained their dominance, with Max Verstappen extending his reign by winning 14 of the 22 races. McLaren emerged as a force to be reckoned with, claiming four wins, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc made a strong case for his title aspirations by taking two victories of his own. This rise in competition significantly narrowed the margin for error, leaving even seasoned drivers like Hamilton scrambling for podium finishes. The numbers told the story—Hamilton managed just one win all season, his lowest tally since 2009.
Amid the struggles, Hamilton achieved some noteworthy milestones. His victory in Belgium marked his 105th career win, making him the first driver to win a race after his 300th start. He also celebrated his 200th career podium in Hungary, a testament to his enduring talent and determination. These moments reminded fans that, even during a tough season, Hamilton remains one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Reflecting on 2024, it’s clear that Hamilton’s difficulties stemmed from a mix of external and internal factors. The Mercedes W15 failed to provide the competitive edge he needed, while the rise of younger, hungrier rivals added to the pressure. Qualifying struggles, combined with the emotional strain of navigating a demanding season, further compounded the situation. However, Hamilton’s ability to extract moments of brilliance from a difficult year suggests that he is far from finished.
