Lewis Hamilton has issued a cautionary note to Mercedes, urging them that there is still “work to do” despite making a perfect start at the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix. While the British driver managed to secure a strong position during the race weekend, he remains realistic about the team’s ability to maintain its competitive edge throughout the season.
At the Las Vegas GP, Hamilton’s performance in qualifying, where he was consistently fast and in the fight for top positions, reflected a significant step forward for Mercedes. This was particularly noticeable considering the challenges Mercedes had faced earlier in the season with their car’s pace and performance issues compared to rival teams like Red Bull and Ferrari. Hamilton’s comments, however, highlight that despite the promising start in Las Vegas, Mercedes still has significant gaps to close to truly challenge for race wins on a regular basis.
Hamilton acknowledged the improvements made in terms of car setup and strategy but warned that Mercedes needs to maintain focus and continue pushing to optimize performance. “We’ve made progress, but we have work to do,” Hamilton said. “We’re not quite where we need to be to consistently fight for wins, and that’s something we must address in the coming races. This is a positive start, but we need to keep the momentum going.”
The Mercedes team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to address the shortcomings of their W15 car, especially when it comes to aerodynamics and balance. While they have made strides, particularly in understanding the performance gaps that hindered them earlier in the season, they are still playing catch-up with teams like Red Bull, which has dominated most of the 2024 season.
Despite Hamilton’s caution, his performance in Las Vegas was seen as a significant sign that Mercedes could be turning a corner. His strategic race management and ability to extract maximum performance from his car in a city circuit that demands precision and bravery impressed many. The team’s efforts, paired with a competitive drive from Hamilton, gave fans hope that they could soon return to challenging for podiums and possibly even race wins.
Nevertheless, Hamilton’s words serve as a reminder that while Mercedes is making progress, the road ahead is still long, and there is no room for complacency. In a season where Red Bull continues to be the dominant force, Hamilton and Mercedes know they must keep evolving and adapting to stay in the hunt. With a few races left in the calendar, the team will be looking to build on their recent gains and ensure they end the season strongly while laying the groundwork for 2025.