Shifting Priorities: Will Mercedes Abandon 2024 Midseason?

With the blockbuster news that Lewis Hamilton will move to Ferrari in the 2025 season, Mercedes has started the season on the back foot. My sentiment towards the Mercedes season has changed after the first two races. I still had high hopes for the team and wanted to see Mercedes compete for podiums and potentially a few wins. But, After seeing the team drop to fourth in the constructors after two races, the drivers are eighth and ninth in the driver's championship. There's a chance Mercedes is not even close to competing for second place or even third in the championship. I could see Mercedes sacking this season after about halfway through and shifting their budget towards future cars. My expectations for Mercedes in 2024 are meager, I hope I am surprised, but it's definitely the least expectation of the past few seasons.

Lewis Hamilton

Knowing he is driving for Ferrari next season, Lewis has nothing to lose. He wants to compete for his 8th title and return to the podium's top step. If it's not with Mercedes now, you must try something else because time is dwindling.

George Russell

For George, it's a reassurance year where he can prove he is the guy to carry the team into the future. No doubt, George Russell is one of the most talented drivers on the current grid, but multiple qualified drivers would love the second and eventually first driver spot for Mercedes. This is a "prove it" year for George Russell, and I think despite the team's ability to give him a worthy car, he delivers as well as he can.