Lewis Hamilton has been an integral part of the Mercedes team since 2013. The Hamilton-Mercedes duo, often termed as the ‘dream team’, managed to win 6 World Titles in the span of 7 years (2014-2020). However, since the turn of the decade, the Silver Arrows have struggled to make a mark on the sport. After the controversial end to the 2021 season, where Mercedes lost to Red Bull due to a safety car infringement and the famous FIA intervention, the Silver Arrows have only managed to bag a solitary win. a record that displays the stark change in fortunes at the garage.

Lewis Hamilton has yet to win a race since the end of that fateful 2021 season. This is the longest win-drought in the Briton’s career. Johnny Herbert, a 3-time Grand Prix winner, points his finger at Mercedes and claims that the team has failed to deliver a race-winning car to the seven-time World Champion.

Herbert’s claim highlights Mercedes’ quote at the end of last season.

I do remember them saying at the end of last year, they promised that they would have a better car, and they didn't do that, It's [Mercedes’ car - W14] shown glimpses of it, but it's just glimpses.

Johnny Herbert said, as reported by Express.co.uk.

Herbert further claimed that Hamilton’s decision to extend his contract at the German outfit makes sense. The former racer also mentioned how George Russell seemed like the leading force at Mercedes at one point in time. But Herbert said that now, Lewis Hamilton is back at weilding his winning skills and the onus remains on Mercedes to give his a suitable car that is worthy of the Championship.

Lewis Hamilton might land himself a hefty penalty if he decides to miss the Prize Gala for the 3rd year running

Lewis Hamilton has a history of disputes with the governing bodies of Formula 1, and the driver’s latest clash with the FIA surfaced after the  Las Vegas Grand Prix. As the curtains draw on the 2023 season, the post-season Prize Gala, organized by the FIA nears. This Prize Gala serves as the venue for honoring the particular year’s World Champions – Driver’s and Constructor’s.

While most drivers attend the ceremony, Lewis Hamilton has been notably absent since 2021. Many fans attribute this absence to the controversial conclusion of the 2021 season, where Max Verstappen claimed the World Championship due to a safety car incident. The FIA has recently disclosed plans to impose a penalty on Hamilton if he skips the 2023 Prize Gala. Hamilton’s absence at the 2022 ceremony did not pose an issue for the FIA, given his P6 finish in the 2022 driver standings, which didn’t require a solo stage appearance.

However, with an improved season in 2023, Hamilton is on track to secure P3 in the driver’s championship. This implies that he will be honored with the P3 medal at the ceremony. The Briton’s potential continuation of his streak of missing the Gala might get him in trouble. However, the seven time World Champion has rarely been vary of ‘trouble’ from the FIA. However, this adds intrugue to the upcoming event scheduled for December 9, 2023.

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