Lewis Hamilton "Will Not Stick Around" At Mercedes According To F1 Insider

F1 insider claims Lewis Hamilton "will not stick around" if things don't improve.

It's no secret that Lewis Hamilton has been quite vocal about the Mercedes W14's performance this season. But according to former F1 world champion Damon Hill, the British driver needs to make it clear to the team that he "will not stick around."

With the team starting the year with a sluggish fourth-fastest car behind Red Bull, Aston Martin, and Ferrari, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has hinted that they may need to switch to an entirely new car concept. The team seems to have taken a wrong turn in developing the W14, and Hamilton's criticism has been less than helpful.

But is he really considering leaving the team? Hill thinks not. He explained:

"I think it is far-fetched.

"I think he knows this team at Mercedes, I think he just wants a reaction."

Hamilton knows what Mercedes is capable of, but he's also aware that the team needs a wake-up call. Hill recalls his own experience in criticising a Japanese engine during his career, and it seems that public comments can often lead to positive results. He continued:

"Of course, he's got his contract negotiations coming up, but he has to say these things.

"He has to make it clear that he's not going to stick around if things don't change and improve."

It's all part of the game. Hamilton wants to win his eighth world title, and Mercedes knows they need to up their game if they want to keep him. And while the team may have a "no-blame culture," it's clear that Hamilton's concerns need to be addressed.

"We've heard a lot from Mercedes about how they have a 'no-blame culture'.

"But with Lewis mentioning that he's not being listened to, I think there's been too-ing and fro-ing with the public statement by Mercedes to their fans saying 'stick with us, we're going to come good, but we're not going to give up.'"

At the end of the day, it's all about the pursuit of excellence. And if shaking the tree a little bit can help get Mercedes back on track, then Hamilton's criticism may just prove to be a catalyst for success.