Following a tough Singapore Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton has opened up about alarming health issues he faced during the race, sparking speculation about his future appearances on the grid. Mercedes has now issued a statement addressing the situation, calming some fears, but questions still remain.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion had a challenging weekend at Marina Bay, starting third on the grid but finishing sixth after a questionable strategy call by Mercedes. Hamilton, visibly frustrated by the team’s decision to favor teammate George Russell, struggled with the extreme heat and humidity that made the race conditions unbearable.
“It was one of the toughest races I’ve ever had physically,” Hamilton admitted after the race. “The heat was suffocating, and I felt completely drained. I’ve never felt like this before after a race.”
During the race, temperatures soared above 30 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels reaching 70%, which took a toll on both Mercedes drivers. Mercedes later revealed that Hamilton and Russell had canceled their media commitments post-race due to the overwhelming heat, leading fans to speculate on whether Hamilton might need to be replaced for upcoming races.
In response, Mercedes technical director James Allison provided an update on the situation, reassuring fans but acknowledging the difficulties the team faced. “It was incredibly hot in the car, and both Lewis and George were really feeling it. Thankfully, with some recovery time, they’re both doing much better now,” Allison said.
He further explained the difficulties the team had faced in Singapore: “We struggled again with tire temperatures, and the softer rubber combined with the heat made it a challenging race for us. It wasn’t just about the physical toll on the drivers, but also the performance of the car that hurt us this weekend.”
While Hamilton appears to be recovering from the physical strain, the Mercedes team continues to evaluate their performance and strategy moving forward. Allison’s reassurance that Hamilton and Russell are “bouncing back relatively swiftly” may put an end to immediate concerns of a driver replacement, but with the season still ongoing, Mercedes will need to ensure their drivers remain in top condition for the challenges ahead.
For now, Hamilton seems determined to push through: “I’ll be back stronger. We just need to figure things out with the car and the strategy.”
Whether or not Hamilton’s health issues will continue to be a concern remains to be seen, but Mercedes has made it clear that they stand by their drivers through these difficult moments.
