Lewis Hamilton hints he could QUIT Mercedes before end of F1 season on team radio after blasting ‘worst car ever’

LEWIS HAMILTON sensationally hinted he could leave Mercedes early after a "disastrous" weekend at the Brazil Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion finished 10th on Sunday following an action-packed race at Interlagos.

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He struggled with car issues throughout the weekend - which were not helped by a series of heavy rain showers.

And by the time he reached the chequered flag, the Mercedes man was left completely deflated.

With his blockbuster move to Ferrari on the horizon, Hamilton gave a brutally honest message to his team in the garage.

He even suggested it could be the "last time"; he drives for the Silver Arrows.

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He said: "That was a disaster of a weekend guys. That is the worst the car has ever been.

"But thank you for continuing to try. Great job from the guys at the pitstop.

"If this is the last time that I get to perform, its a shame it wasn't great, but grateful for you."

Speaking after the race, Hamilton even suggested that he would "happily" take the rest of the year off despite three races remaining.

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He told Sky Sports: "We were just slow. The car was really, really tough.

"The team could have won also today, so at least one car was behaving a lot better.

"It's like a plank of wood. It's like, no suspension.

"It's bouncing on the tyres 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."

Hamilton has just three races remaining with Mercedes before joining Ferrari - in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Kimi Antonelli will replace Hamilton at Mercedes next year.

The 18-year-old will drive alongside George Russell next season having impressed in F2 having come through Mercedes' junior programme..

🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar - details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁

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