Will Hamilton win eighth world title? Does Norris regret staying at McLaren?

Matt Baker, Martin Brundle and Jess McFadyen join for our latest pod.

They discuss the problems facing Mercedes (2.17) and whether Lewis Hamilton will ever win his eighth world title (15.09).

The team dissect McLaren's difficult start to the season and whether Lando Norris will be regretting staying with the team (29.03).

They finish by previewing this weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (41.29).

### Podcast Episode Summary: Formula One's Uncertainties and Driver Discontent

**Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton's Conundrum:**

- Mercedes endured a challenging start to the season, finishing well behind Red Bull in Bahrain.
- Lewis Hamilton expressed frustration, claiming the team didn't listen to his concerns about the car's development.
- Martin Brundle believes Hamilton's public criticism is a sign of desperation, as he feels unheard within the team.
- Jess McFadyen finds Hamilton's comments unusual, given that he's typically a team player.
- Mercedes released an open letter to fans, acknowledging the team's struggles and seeking continued support.
- Brundle views the letter as an attempt to manage fan expectations and prevent a loss of support.

**Hamilton's Pursuit of Eighth World Title and Potential Departure from Mercedes:**

- Hamilton's primary goal is to secure his eighth world title, surpassing Michael Schumacher's record.
- Brundle believes Hamilton is determined to achieve this milestone, regardless of the team he drives for.
- A move to Ferrari or Red Bull seems unlikely due to various factors, including team dynamics and financial considerations.
- Hamilton may consider staying at Mercedes if the team can address his concerns and provide a competitive car.
- Brundle emphasizes the importance of Hamilton's unique relationship with Mercedes, including his involvement in initiatives like Accelerate 25 and Mission 44.

**Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Expectations and Mercedes' Prospects:**

- The upcoming race in Saudi Arabia presents an opportunity for Mercedes to assess their progress.
- Brundle cautions against expecting significant improvements, given the limited time for upgrades.
- Mercedes' focus should be on minimizing the gap to Red Bull and capitalizing on any opportunities that arise.
- Consistency and reliability will be crucial for Mercedes to remain in contention for race wins.

**Lando Norris' Struggles at McLaren:**

- Lando Norris experienced a disappointing start to the season, finishing last among the classified drivers in Bahrain.
- McLaren as a team faced difficulties, with Oscar Piastri retiring due to an electrical issue.
- Norris has been with McLaren for five years without securing a race victory, despite showing promise.
- Brundle suggests that Norris may be considering a move to another team if McLaren's struggles continue.
- Norris' contract with McLaren expires at the end of 2025, leaving open the possibility of a departure.



The podcast highlights the challenges faced by Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton, as well as Lando Norris' uncertain future at McLaren. The upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will provide insights into Mercedes' progress and their ability to compete with Red Bull. Norris' situation at McLaren remains a topic of discussion, with his contract expiring in 2025 and the possibility of a move to another team looming.

In this podcast, Matt Baker, Martin Brundle, and Jess McFadyen discuss various topics related to Formula One racing. They begin by analyzing the struggles faced by Mercedes and speculate on whether Lewis Hamilton can achieve his eighth world title. The team then dissects McLaren's difficult start to the season and ponder if Lando Norris regrets staying with the team. Finally, they preview the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The discussion about Mercedes centers around their current performance issues and the possibility of Hamilton securing his eighth world championship. The team acknowledges that Mercedes has work to do to provide Hamilton with a competitive car and questions whether he will remain patient enough to see it through.

Regarding McLaren, the team examines their poor start to the season and considers whether Norris made the right decision by staying with the team. They express concern about McLaren's reliability and lack of pace, emphasizing the need for significant improvements. The team also speculates on Norris's potential future moves, considering options such as joining a more competitive team or waiting for an opportunity at Mercedes.

The preview of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix includes discussions about the Jeddah circuit, its unique characteristics, and the potential for exciting racing. The team highlights the importance of qualifying and the challenges drivers face on the track. They also express anticipation for Fernando Alonso's performance and the possibility of a closer battle between Ferrari and Red Bull.

Overall, the podcast provides insightful analysis and commentary on various aspects of Formula One racing, including team performances, driver strategies, and upcoming races. It engages listeners with expert perspectives and generates interest in the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.