Lewis Hamilton demands car retirement in Qatar meltdown

In the 2024 Formula 1 season, Lewis Hamilton experienced a challenging race at the Qatar Grand Prix held at the Losail Circuit. Following a series of unfortunate events, including a puncture and a drive-through penalty for speeding in the pit lane, the seven-time world champion expressed his frustration by asking his team to retire the car early. This incident reflects the difficult end to his tenure with Mercedes, as his performance has been inconsistent throughout the season. Hamilton had standout performances earlier in the season but struggled significantly in qualifying, often being outperformed by his teammate George Russell. As the season neared its conclusion and Hamilton prepared for his move to Ferrari, the contrast between his past successes and current struggles became evident. Despite achieving notable victories, Hamilton faced criticism for his qualifying performance, which a Sky Sports F1 pundit described as “bizarre.” His upcoming transition to Ferrari raised concerns, particularly regarding the need for rebuilding his confidence ahead of the new season. Hamilton, who planned to leave Mercedes after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, had already faced pressures from both his performances and team dynamics. Despite these challenges, he remained focused on his future in racing, where he was set to receive a lucrative contract, but the shadow of his final season at Mercedes loomed large.