Lewis Hamilton remains confident that Mercedes is closing the gap with Red Bull, and he believes his team has the potential to challenge the reigning constructors’ champions.
“We have definitely taken a step forward,” Hamilton affirmed, highlighting the progress Mercedes has made compared to the previous year. This statement underscores the relentless commitment of the Mercedes team to improving their performance and striving for excellence.
Mercedes has demonstrated increased competitiveness in recent races, but the results don’t yet reflect their improved efforts. George Russell came close to securing a podium finish in Singapore but saw his hopes dashed when he crashed on the final lap while chasing victory. Furthermore, Lewis Hamilton faced a challenging couple of races, earning zero points after a first-lap collision with his teammate in Qatar and a subsequent disqualification following a podium finish in Austin.
Hamilton now finds himself 39 points behind Sergio Perez in the battle for second place in the standings. However, this seasoned driver remains hopeful of thwarting Red Bull’s quest for a historic one-two finish in the world championship, provided Mercedes can execute their race strategy flawlessly.
“When you look at the upcoming races, I can’t predict which one we’re going to be closer, and which one we may or may not be further away,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1, emphasizing the unpredictability of Formula 1. He goes on to mention that Mercedes was competitive at the same circuit last year, which adds to his optimism about their performance this weekend.
“If we get the strategy right this weekend, maybe we can really take the fight to them,” Hamilton added, underscoring the importance of strategy in Formula 1 and the potential for Mercedes to challenge Red Bull in the upcoming races.
The final four rounds of the 2023 season still hold ample opportunity for Mercedes to disrupt Red Bull’s dominance. According to Hamilton, the best chances for Mercedes to secure their first victory of the campaign lie in Mexico City and Sao Paulo.
“Brazil was a great circuit for us last year, and if it turns out we’re closer again there, then that’s two great strong races for us,” Hamilton stated. This anticipation is built on the team’s past performance and their aim to repeat their success on these circuits.
“And then when you go to Abu Dhabi, I think the gap gets bigger again, so it’s these next two that I think we have our best chance,” Hamilton concluded, highlighting the need to seize the opportunities presented in the upcoming races before the season’s end.
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton’s confidence in Mercedes’ progress, combined with strategic prowess, could make the difference in the battle against Red Bull. As the season unfolds, Formula 1 fans can anticipate intense racing and unpredictability until the very last lap.