Lewis Hamilton's Formula One season has been filled with some of his highest highs and lowest lows.
A triumphant and emotional win at Silverstone, followed by a win in Spa, were the high points. But the overall performance of his car from race to race has frustrated the seven-time world champion, who has vented about it over the Mercedes team radio.
During a disappointing 10th-place finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday, Hamilton again voiced his displeasure about the car's performance. Some interpreted the venting as a goodbye message to Mercedes with three races left in the season.
| Sky Sports just released a much clearer version of Sir Lewis Hamilton's post race radio:
— sim (@sim3744) November 4, 2024
"If this is the last time that i get to perform, its a shame it wasn't great, but grateful for you."#F1 || #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/5hh6PAs4ql
Hamilton, 39, has already been confirmed to be heading to Ferrari for the 2025 season, so the final three races of the season (Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi) are also his last with Mercedes. But it would be a shame if his legendary career with the organization were to reach a premature end.
From Mercedes' point of view, replacing Hamilton this close to the end of the season doesn't make sense. The team is out of the race for the Constructors' Championship, so replacing Hamilton would most likely not improve the team's performance.
The right thing for Mercedes is to let Hamilton race for the remainder of the season and give him a proper send-off for all he has done for the team in 12 seasons.
If Mercedes replaces Hamilton before the end of the season, the most likely option would be 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has already been confirmed as Hamilton's replacement for 2025 after he departs for Ferrari.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!