Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, is eager to secure a competitive car for the 2024 season, and he has “total faith” in his team at Mercedes to deliver. However, he acknowledges that Red Bull Racing has also been making significant strides in their pursuit of excellence.
Hamilton’s Formula 1 journey has been marked by an impressive track record, but in the last two years, he has faced a challenging dry spell, going without a race win. During this period, Mercedes has struggled to maintain their dominant position, while Red Bull Racing, with Max Verstappen at the helm, has emerged as the dominant force on the grid.
This year, Red Bull Racing clinched both the driver and constructor titles and shifted their focus to developing their 2024 car months in advance. This strategic decision allowed Mercedes and other competitors to narrow the performance gap in recent weeks.
A recent floor upgrade introduced at the United States Grand Prix left Hamilton elated with his car’s performance. This boost propelled him to a second-place finish in the Mexican Grand Prix. Following this positive result, Hamilton couldn’t help but contemplate the possibilities for the 2024 season.
“I am incredibly proud of my team, and I have total faith in the team,” Hamilton expressed with enthusiasm. “I know we can build a great car. We haven’t for the past two years. But we can build a great car.”
While Hamilton remains confident in his team’s abilities, he is aware that Red Bull Racing is also making strides in their development. He remarked, “There are a lot of engineers; nobody wants to copy anybody; they want to find their own way. But I think we are progressing. But I’ve heard that Red Bull are progressing, as well.”
In light of this, Hamilton emphasized the need for strategic planning and precision. “So we have to be really, really strategic and really clinical – they know that already – in order for us to be battling those guys. They are so quick on the straights; we are losing two and a half tenths into Turn 1. But I believe. I’m ready. If we can get a car that can match them, we’re going to have some great battles next year.”
Hamilton’s belief in his abilities to compete with Max Verstappen remains unwavering. He made it clear that he is prepared to go head-to-head with his rival if provided with a competitive car. His determination to reclaim his championship-winning form was evident even before his strong performance in Mexico City.
“I’m praying every day that we will close the gap [to Red Bull], and we’ll hit the ground running,” said the determined seven-time world champion. “I want to be fighting for the championship; I want to be fighting Max. I believe I am one of the only drivers that can do so.”