Could Lewis Hamilton Challenge Max Verstappen As Mercedes Gives Him What He Wants?
Giancarlo Perlas January 12, 2024Lewis Hamilton has become increasingly frustrated over time. Indeed, this can only be understood as being natural when something has altered and no longer conforms to our expectations for some time.
British driver Lewis Hamilton had long dominated Formula 1, yet recently has found victory less frequent and easy. Thanks to Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen rising quickly through their ranks, as well as issues with his car, victory does not come so readily anymore.
Mercedes Set to Give Hamilton a Tailored Car
It would seem the 2024 F1 season might be a year in which he can start to potentially challenge the Dutchman and Red Bull a little more. James Allison has been hired back into the role of Mercedes’ Technical Director, which would appear to be good news for Hamilton.
The British driver is set to receive a car that has been tailored to his specifications and modifications. The 2024 W15 F1 car has been built with the requirements that he has in mind, which includes a modified cockpit position. He wanted it moved further back from the position that was used in the W14, a vehicle that he was rather vocal about and never hid his enthusiasm to move on from.
Allison and Mike Elliott (Chief Technical Officer) appear to have listened to the driver’s requests, as the W15 is an entirely new concept that has no ties with the W13 and W14 cars which were extremely disappointing. Elsewhere, the transmission box has been shortened to cope with the demands of modern ground-effect cars. It had been the longest on the F1 grid.
The new car will benefit from mass redistribution, which will make it more aerodynamic and streamlined in the rear. However, it may fail to compete with Red Bull in other areas. The suspension is one notable area, with Mercedes continuing to utilize the pull rod scheme. The engine will also be repositioned due to the shortening of the gearbox, meaning the driver will be further back and the radiators will be away from the front wheels.
Will Hamilton Finally Be Able to Challenge Verstappen?
With the season not scheduled to start until March, there will be a buzz around F1 enthusiasts about what could happen during the record-breaking campaign. There are a record-high 24 races on the calendar, meaning there is plenty of high-octane action to watch.
Of course, this has become very appealing to those who also like to enhance their F1 experiences with wagering. Many use online betting as a way to add further excitement to their viewing experiences, with some placing bets on each race while others place a stake in future markets.
The World Championship driver is always one of the most popular markets, and it seems the news of Hamilton’s tailored car has had an impact. He has shifted to 12/1 in the odds, making the third most likely to win. Unsurprisingly, Verstappen is the favorite, with odds of 1/4 – meaning most believe it is his to throw away once again. Lando Norris sits between the two rivals, with odds of 8/1 ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Given the odds that have been provided at this stage, it does not appear that many believe Hamilton will be able to produce another top title-winning season. If he were, then he might have to have his best year ever and hope that the Dutchman has his worst.
Mercedes Needs a Strong Start
It does not take a rocket scientist to understand that Mercedes needs a strong start to the season. The team has already been able to do a lot of work in-house to give itself the best possible chance, but there is plenty that they need to do on the track.
With Lewis Hamilton and George Russell inked to a contract until the end of 2025, they need to make sure they have the cars needed to perform. With pre-season testing on the horizon in just a month or so, a fast start is needed to ensure they can compete with Red Bull from the get-go and be in contention to win at least one of the Championships by the time this year’s 24 races are said and done.
