Possible explanation behind Lewis Hamilton's "If this is the last time I get to perform" cryptic team radio after the F1 Brazilian GP

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton left fans in confusion after saying on team radio during the Brazilian Grand Prix that it could be his "final time" performing for the team. The 39-year-old is leaving the German team at the end of the 2024 season after a successful 12-year stint with them, which began in 2013 after he left McLaren.

The seven-time world champion had signed a contract extension with the Brackley-based outfit in August 2023 but invoked his release clause when the opportunity to join Ferrari arose at the beginning of the season.

Hamilton has three races and one Sprint left in his time with the Silver Arrows but caused much confusion at the end of a disappointing race at Interlagos when speaking to his team. He said:

"That was a disaster of a weekend guys. That's the worst the car has ever been, but thank you for continuing to try. Great job to all the guys at the pitstop. If this is the last time that I get to perform, it's a shame it wasn't great, but grateful for you."

However, it won't be the last time the fans will see Lewis Hamilton driving the Mercedes this year as the radio message was directed towards the pit crew present at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Due to a tight schedule at the end of the American triple-header, most teams on the grid have multiple pit crews rotating through races, to prevent tiredness and exhaustion.

It is possible that Hamilton's message of driving for the last time in Brazil was directed toward the pit crew who might not be present at the remaining races this year. Given he has raced for the team for over a decade, it was a touching tribute from the Brit.

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Lewis Hamilton details his driving experience at the Brazilian GP

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton did not mince his words while explaining the bumpy nature of the resurfaced track at Interlagos last weekend and compared it to driving with a plank with no suspensions.

Speaking with Sky Sports, the British driver said:

"It's like a plank of wood. It's like, no suspension. It's bouncing on the tires everywhere and you can't get on the power anywhere. It's just the worst ride, I think the worst ride that we've definitely ever had, particularly through corners.

"It's just so stiff. But hopefully, we won't have any more bumpy tracks. I think the last three aren't so bumpy. But yeah, I could happily go and take a holiday."

Lewis Hamilton has lipped to P7 in the driver's championship, behind his teammate George Russell. He trails the latter by two points heading into his final few races with Mercedes.