Lewis Hamilton to Be Replaced for Mexican Grand Prix Following Struggles in Austin
Mercedes has announced that Lewis Hamilton will be replaced for part of the Mexican Grand Prix weekend after a disappointing performance at the United States Grand Prix. Hamilton’s struggles included a spin in FP1, a sixth-place finish in the sprint race, and a dismal qualifying session where he ended up 19th after exiting Q1. His weekend concluded prematurely when he crashed out on the third lap of the race.
Team principal Toto Wolff expressed confusion over the drastic drop in performance from Hamilton and the Mercedes team, with teammate George Russell managing to secure sixth place, highlighting the contrast in results. Wolff’s comments suggest a need for further analysis of the W15 car’s new upgrades.
In response to these challenges, Mercedes has opted to allow young driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli to take over Hamilton’s seat in FP1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. This decision not only provides Antonelli with valuable experience ahead of his anticipated full-time entry into F1 in 2025 but also fulfills the team’s obligation to feature a junior driver in one practice session per car during the season.
The 18-year-old Italian impressed during his previous outing in FP1 at the Italian Grand Prix, where his speed over the first five laps garnered attention from the team’s personnel, despite a spin that curtailed his session. Antonelli currently stands sixth in the FIA Formula 1 Championship, with notable wins at Silverstone and Hungary, showcasing his potential as he gears up for a future with Mercedes when Hamilton transitions to Ferrari at the end of the year.
This strategic move by Mercedes could provide critical insights into the car’s performance as they prepare for the upcoming race weekend and seek to regain competitiveness in the championship standings.
