As Formula 1 prepares for a defining weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, the sport finds itself on edge — and no driver more so than Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion is perilously close to setting a record no Ferrari fan ever wanted to see: the most races without a podium since joining the team.
Hamilton, who made the high-profile move to Ferrari this season, has endured a turbulent campaign marked by inconsistency, mechanical issues, and flashes of brilliance overshadowed by missed opportunities. If he fails to finish in the top three at the upcoming United States Grand Prix, he will surpass Didier Pironi’s long-standing record for the most races with Ferrari without reaching the podium — an unfortunate milestone that contrasts sharply with the legacy Hamilton built at Mercedes.
“It’s been a challenge, no doubt,” Hamilton admitted after the Qatar Grand Prix. “We’re learning a lot about the car, but we’ve still got some way to go to unlock its full potential.”
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, who first worked with Hamilton in 2005 during the Briton’s Formula 3 Euro Series days, remains confident in his driver’s abilities. Hamilton recently remarked that Vasseur “hasn’t changed in 20 years,” describing him as “relentless and sharp” — traits Hamilton believes will help the team turn the corner as the season enters its decisive stretch.
Lawson Admits to Struggles After Red Bull Demotion
While Hamilton fights to avoid an unfortunate record, Liam Lawson is confronting a battle of his own. The young New Zealander opened up about the difficulties he faced earlier in the season after being dropped from the Red Bull lineup and moving to Racing Bulls.
“I just couldn’t put it all together,” Lawson admitted, reflecting on his performances against teammate Isack Hadjar. “There were moments of promise, but consistency was missing — and in F1, that’s everything.”
Lawson’s honesty underscores the brutal nature of Formula 1’s talent conveyor belt, where even minor setbacks can determine a driver’s future. With the team’s focus shifting toward development and 2025 lineup decisions looming, Lawson will need to deliver flawless performances in the remaining rounds to keep his name in contention.
Tsunoda Finds Answers in Verstappen’s Formula
At Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda’s persistence appears to be paying off. The Japanese driver has revealed that adopting elements of Max Verstappen’s setup philosophy has helped him rediscover pace and confidence after a challenging first half of the season.
“I studied Max’s data carefully and realized some of his approaches could work for me,” Tsunoda said. “I even spent part of my summer break in the simulator to test different configurations, and it made a real difference in race pace.”
The breakthrough comes at a crucial moment, as Red Bull continues its intense battle with McLaren and Mercedes in the constructors’ fight.
Mercedes Reemerges as a Threat in Verstappen-McLaren Title Duel
George Russell’s impressive victory in Singapore, coupled with Kimi Antonelli’s strong showing, has reignited discussions around Mercedes’ resurgence. Analysis from RacingNews365 suggests that the team’s success in Marina Bay was driven by improved tyre management and aerodynamic tweaks that could prove decisive in upcoming races.
With Verstappen still leading the championship and McLaren applying relentless pressure, Mercedes’ potential to disrupt the title fight has added another unpredictable twist to an already tense season.
Sainz Sidelined as Williams Backs Its Rising Star
In other news, Williams has confirmed that Carlos Sainz will be sidelined during the first practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix, as the team gives young academy driver Luke Browning another opportunity behind the wheel. Browning previously participated in FP1 during the Bahrain Grand Prix earlier this year and has since impressed with his maturity and technical feedback.
The move underscores Williams’ commitment to nurturing young talent — and raises questions about Sainz’s longer-term prospects amid Ferrari’s uncertain performance and driver rotation rumours.
All Eyes on Austin
As the paddock heads to Texas, the storylines converge: Hamilton’s hunt for redemption, Lawson’s fight for survival, Tsunoda’s quiet evolution, and Mercedes’ stealthy comeback.
The Circuit of the Americas has often served as a stage for drama, and this year promises to be no different. For Hamilton and Ferrari, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Another race without a podium could mark a low point in one of Formula 1’s most storied careers — or, perhaps, the spark that reignites his Ferrari dream.
Either way, Austin is shaping up to be a Grand Prix no one can afford to miss.
Leave a Reply