Lewis Hamilton’s choice to allow teammate George Russell to pass brought in much-needed points for the Mercedes team. Toto Wolff, the team principal, faced various challenges during the race as Mercedes continued to struggle this season. In an effort to secure a better result, Hamilton made the decision to let Russell through, earning praise for his team play.
Wolff suggested on team radio that Russell be allowed to pass to Mercedes. Hamilton explained the reasoning behind this unexpected move, but it received criticism from fans. Mercedes even distanced themselves from the decision, stating that it was ultimately Hamilton’s call.
Despite the criticism, Hamilton’s decision allowed George Russell to finish in seventh place at the Japanese GP. This move was applauded as “extremely fair play” by Wolff, who also noted that Hamilton knew a podium finish was unlikely. Instead, the focus was on understanding why Hamilton’s performance was lacking in speed.
Hamilton’s struggles prevented any chance of a podium finish in the race, leaving the 39-year-old disappointed with his result. Toto Wolff revealed that the temperature difference between the two stints was a contributing factor to Hamilton’s poor performance at the Suzuka circuit. However, Wolff clarified that this was not the sole reason for Mercedes’ struggles. The team was attempting to extend the stint as much as possible to stick to a one-stop strategy for a better finish.
As it stands, Mercedes will need to quickly regain their form to compete against Red Bull and have any chance at the world championship. The team’s hopes of ending the season on a high note with Hamilton are constantly diminishing.