Lewis Hamilton is undoubtedly facing a strange year. The former world champion is starting his final season with Mercedes, the team he has completely shaped over the years. But with his imminent departure to Ferrari, the German team's focus will slowly shift to George Russell in the post-Hamilton era.

Like any driver who leaves a team, proverbial doors close for him as soon as the end of his tenure approaches; he is not kept up to date on developments regarding the car for the next season, nor is he fully updated on technical developments. Lewis Hamilton comes to a similar point during the 2024 season.

'Hamilton is going to be uncomfortable'

Timo Glock wonders to what extent Hamilton is motivated for a final year at Mercedes, knowing that a new adventure in Italy is coming up. " If Hamilton realises he has a good package, he will be very motivated," the German ex-F1 driver argues to Sky. "Obviously there also comes a point where Hamilton is going to feel like the fifth wheel on the wagon. He is no longer going to be involved in talks and people are focusing on George Russell. That is not an easy and unusual situation for Hamilton to be in."

Glock did, however, praise Hamilton for the way he made it known early on that he was going to switch to Mercedes. "But still it remains an unpleasant situation for him and Mercedes. The development of the car is looking at only one driver," Glock said.