Lewis Hamilton Identifies Key Areas For Mercedes Improvement To Challenge Red Bull
Giancarlo Perlas June 29, 2023Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, has shared his thoughts on the areas Mercedes AMG Petronas needs to address in order to close the gap on Red Bull and mount a challenge for race victories. Speaking after taking the podium at the Canadian Grand Prix, the Briton emphasized the need for specific changes to the characteristics of the W14, Mercedes’ current car model.
The Quest for Improvement
In an interview featured on F1, Hamilton acknowledged that Mercedes’ recent upgrades have made some positive differences to the car, primarily in terms of increased downforce. However, he noted that the overall characteristics of the car remained largely unchanged from earlier in the season.
To contend with Red Bull’s formidable performance, Hamilton stressed the need to make significant alterations and improvements to the car’s design, particularly for next year’s model.
Frustration and Hope for Lewis Hamilton
As Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ main rival, Hamilton was asked if he found Red Bull’s advantage frustrating. While recognizing the impressive performance of the Red Bull team, Hamilton expressed acceptance rather than frustration.
Hamilton admitted the reality of the situation and stated that Red Bull’s dominance was a challenge that needed to be overcome. Nonetheless, the star Mercedes driver expressed hope for a more level playing field in the future, reminiscing about the thrilling races of 2021 where all three drivers—Hamilton, Verstappen, and Fernando Alonso—were engaged in intense battles.
The Current Standings
With Verstappen leading the drivers’ standings by a significant margin and Red Bull commanding a substantial lead in the constructors’ championship, Hamilton acknowledged the scale of the task ahead for Mercedes. Verstappen’s consistent performances and Red Bull’s impressive car advantage pose a formidable challenge.
Hamilton said that Mercedes, along with Aston Martin, must work diligently to find the additional performance required to close the gap and challenge Red Bull’s dominance.
Lewis Hamilton Looking Ahead
The comments of Lewis Hamilton serve as a reminder that the battle for supremacy in F1 is an ever-evolving journey. Mercedes, despite their recent improvements, face an uphill struggle to match Red Bull’s current performance level.
The Mercedes F1 team must undertake substantial changes to the characteristics of their car to increase their competitiveness. As the season progresses, the focus will be on the team’s ability to bridge the gap and deliver thrilling battles akin to those witnessed in the past.
