F1 Expert: Mercedes Must Respect Hamilton During ‘Notice Period’
The most important storyline of the 2024 Formula 1 season is Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025, ending his decade at Mercedes. Formula 1 presenter Simon Lazenby, who has given a year’s notice, believes Mercedes should treat Hamilton with respect.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ F1 podcast, Lazenby insisted that Hamilton has brought a lot to Mercedes and that he deserves respect as a great champion. While retired drivers are often overlooked by teams, Lazenby believes Hamilton is an exception because of his winning experience.
However, pundit Karun Chandhok predicts an “awkward” relationship between Hamilton and Mercedes as the season progresses. Chandhok has advised the team to avoid discussing Hamilton’s future car development for fear he will reveal Ferrari’s secrets in 2025.
Despite differing opinions, it’s safe to say that in his final season at Mercedes, Hamilton will be looking for a championship if the car is competitive. While the team may look at long-term options like George Russell, Hamilton is still a force to be reckoned with in 2024.