Hamilton admits he ‘didn’t want to come back’ after Brazil struggles as he looks ahead to final three races at Mercedes

Outgoing Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has opened up about his raw emotions following a difficult Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend, with the seven-time world champion initially left feeling like “I didn’t really want to come back”.

Hamilton struggled with the handling of his car across all weather conditions at Interlagos, calling it “undriveable” after a Q1 exit in qualifying and describing “the bumpiest ride ever” after claiming the final point on offer in the race.

READ MORE: ‘The bumpiest ride ever’ – Hamilton offers blunt assessment after salvaging point from tough Sao Paulo GP weekend

“If this is the last time that I get to perform, it’s a shame it wasn’t great, but [I’m] grateful for you,” Hamilton was heard saying over the radio as he returned to the pits, leading to plenty of coverage in the media.

Asked about that message ahead of this weekend’s action in Las Vegas, Hamilton commented: “In the moment, that’s how I felt. I didn’t really want to come back after that weekend, but I think that’s only natural.

“It’s frustrating when you have a season like this, which I’m pretty sure I won’t have again, or at least I’ll work towards not having again. It wasn’t a great feeling in that moment but I’m here, I’m standing strong, and I’m going to give it absolutely everything for the last few races.”

Hamilton was also asked for his take on quotes attributed to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff in a new behind-the-scenes book about life at the team, with the Austrian stating that “everyone has a shelf-life” ahead of the Briton’s move to Ferrari.

READ MORE: ‘I heard the bells ringing’ – Wolff reveals who first told him Hamilton had decided to leave Mercedes for Ferrari

Wolff went on to clarify those comments, stating in an interview with BBC Radio 4 that they were “taken out of context”, while stressing the 39-year-old remains “very sharp” and “very much there when the car is right”.

In response, Hamilton made clear that he “genuinely still loves” those around him at Mercedes and vowed to “give them the best I can” across the final triple-header sequence in Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

On whether he feels the need to prove a point to Wolff, Hamilton said: “No. I think just me being here, standing tall… I feel strong. Honestly, I feel like I’m in the best place I’ve been all year mentally. Considering how bad the last race was, I think that says enough.

“I’ve been around this game for a long time. There’s been so many things said about me, there’s been so many microaggressions… I’m not saying from my boss, because he’s been supportive over all these years and we’ve achieved a lot together. I mean in general within the media.

READ MORE: Vasseur outlines plan for Hamilton’s Ferrari arrival with first test set to come in previous car

“Nothing can take me down, so I’m still here, I’m still fighting and I’m going to continue to push. I’ve got a team that I genuinely still love. Even though I am leaving, I want to make sure that I give them the best I can in these next races.”

He signed off with a smile: “If they provide a car that wants to stay on track, then hopefully we’ll have a better result.”