Hamilton Issues 'Aggressive' Threat in Pursuit of First Ferrari Grand Prix Podium

Lewis Hamilton is eyeing an "aggressive" start to the Mexico City Grand Prix, as he aims for his first Grand Prix podium with Ferrari. The seven-time F1 champion has only secured two top-three finishes this season, both in Sprint races.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari was met with high expectations, but a Grand Prix podium has eluded him, a streak that now spans 19 races – an unwanted record for Ferrari. Breaking this dry spell in Mexico would be a significant morale boost for both Hamilton and the Scuderia, proving their potential to challenge at the sharp end of the grid. It also comes at a crucial point as the season winds down, providing momentum for next year.

The Details:

• Podium Drought: Hamilton has not achieved a Grand Prix podium since joining Ferrari. His only top-three finishes were a win in the Chinese Sprint and a third place in the Miami Sprint.
• Unwanted Record: At the recent United States Grand Prix, Hamilton surpassed Didier Pironi's record for most Grand Prix starts for Ferrari without a podium, reaching 19 races.
• Starting Position: Hamilton will start from third on the grid at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, a strong position to contend for a podium finish.
• Track Advantage: The Mexico City Grand Prix features the longest run down to Turn 1 on the F1 calendar, offering a prime overtaking opportunity at the start.
• Norris's Predicament: Polesitter Lando Norris is currently deep in a championship fight and has more to lose in an aggressive early battle. This could influence his defensive strategy.
• Pole Position Jinx: Historically, the polesitter in Mexico has only won twice in the last seven races and hasn't led out of Turn 1 in the past three years, adding to Hamilton's potential advantage.
• Hamilton's Plan: When asked about his strategy for the start, Hamilton stated he plans to be "quite aggressive" given he has "nothing to lose," while Norris "does."
• Rival Positions: Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, Norris's championship rivals, will start further down the grid (fifth and seventh, respectively), and will be looking to move up, which could complicate Hamilton's race.
• Altitude Challenges: Hamilton acknowledged the difficulties of the Mexico track, noting "It’s tough with the altitude, with the overheating of the car, with the overheating of the brakes," making overtakes and managing the race difficult for all drivers, including those behind him.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the start of the Mexico City Grand Prix to see if Hamilton can convert his aggressive intentions and strong grid position into his first Grand Prix podium for Ferrari. His performance will be crucial in setting the tone for the remainder of the season and building momentum for Ferrari's 2025 campaign. The altitude and car management will be key factors for all competitors, and how Hamilton navigates these challenges will determine his success.