Lewis Hamilton has opened up about a serious injury he suffered shortly after joining Ferrari, just weeks into his new chapter. Meanwhile, Mercedes has announced they will implement team orders starting this weekend at the Austrian Grand Prix, as confirmed by Kimmy Anteneelli.
During a media session, Hamilton revealed the extent of his neck injury, which involved a removed disc that had been pressing on a nerve. This revelation sheds light on his challenging transition to Ferrari, where he struggled to find his footing. Hamilton’s struggles last season were compounded by this hidden battle, and it’s remarkable that he chose to keep it private, not wanting to use it as an excuse for his performance.
Now, after a string of impressive finishes—two second places and a victory in his last three races—Hamilton seems to have turned a corner. His recent reflections suggest he feels more comfortable discussing his past challenges, which he initially hinted at during the Monaco Grand Prix.
As Hamilton finds his rhythm, Mercedes is also adjusting its strategy. The team will employ team orders if they face pressure from rivals, allowing drivers to race freely when in clean air. This decision comes after a meeting following the Barcelona race, where internal competition between drivers allowed Hamilton to extend his lead significantly.
Anteneelli emphasized that the priority would go to the driver showing more pace, a move that could have changed the outcome in Barcelona had these orders been in place. Mercedes appears to be learning from past mistakes, aiming to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued other teams in the championship fight.
In the midst of these developments, Ferrari is set to introduce an upgraded power unit this weekend, potentially shaking up the competitive landscape. Meanwhile, McLaren and Audi are also making waves with their new rear wing design, inspired by innovations from Ferrari and Red Bull.
As the teams prepare for the Austrian Grand Prix, all eyes will be on how these strategies and upgrades unfold on the track. Will Hamilton’s resurgence continue, and how will Mercedes’ new approach impact their championship hopes? The weekend promises to be full of excitement and 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒶.
