Lewis Hamilton Calls McLaren’s Qualifying Performance A Wake-Up Call For Mercedes
Giancarlo Perlas July 9, 2023In the aftermath of the qualifying session at the British Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton said that McLaren’s strong performance should serve as a wake-up call for Mercedes. In the said event, the British driver, alongside teammate George Russell, secured the sixth and seventh spots on the grid, falling over four-tenths of a second behind pole-sitter Max Verstappen from Red Bull.
Hamilton, renowned for his record-breaking eight British Grand Prix victories, stated in an interview that the recent outcome of the qualifying round was not a blow but rather a realization that other teams have already overtaken Mercedes. He emphasized the need for the members of the team to redouble their efforts and make improvements to remain competitive.
Lewis Hamilton Acknowledges McLaren’s Advancements
Acknowledging the challenge ahead, Hamilton candidly admitted that he anticipated a difficult race, particularly against the formidable McLarens. Drawing on his experience, he reflected on the struggle encountered while trying to overtake two Ferraris during the race. With two McLarens now in contention, the Mercedes driver foresees an even tougher battle on the horizon.
Furthermore, Hamilton commended McLaren’s impressive upturn in performance, suggesting that their newfound speed was partly attributed to aerodynamic enhancements resembling those of Red Bull’s cars. The seven-time champ expressed his happiness for his former team, who have endured a challenging phase over the years, and welcomed their resurgence as an additional contender in the F1 landscape.
Having started his F1 career with McLaren and winning his first championship with the team in 2008, Hamilton’s comments carry weight and underline the competitive spirit in the sport.
George Russell’s Thoughts
Teammate George Russell echoed the sentiments of Lewis Hamilton, highlighting the stark difference between Mercedes’ expected qualifying performance and their race pace. He revealed that Mercedes had initially predicted qualifying positions of 17th and 18th, but during the second free practice session, they showcased the potential to secure third and fourth places on race day.
Russell lauded McLaren’s success with their upgrades and acknowledged the team as the unknown factor for the upcoming race. With their unexpected surge, McLaren poses a challenge that both Mercedes drivers are eager to confront.
