Mercedes were a second off of Red Bull at the Japanese GP. Lewis Hamilton battled with both Ferrari drivers for a top 5 finish, which was the best he could do. After the Japanese GP, he didn’t shy away from admitting how big a gap Mercedes had to Red Bull. He also admitted how they had the fourth-fastest car in Formula 1, even behind McLaren. However, he believes Mercedes can get back to the front. Here’s how.
“No idea where the car is going to be”
Lewis Hamilton admitted that the pace deficit to Red Bull was eye-opening for the team. He had no idea how they would claw back that advantage. After the race, he said he would go to Brackley to ensure Mercedes were making the changes he asked for.
“The Evidence is there”
Lewis Hamilton pointed out to McLaren and the gains they have made during the 2023 Formula 1 season. McLaren had started with arguably the second-slowest car and they now have the second-fastest car.
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Lewis Hamilton said, “The evidence is there at McLaren, and we can’t turn a blind eye to that – to look at what they’ve done and go in that direction. That is the direction.”
“But I truly believe my team can do it, and we’ve always been great at putting downforce on the car. It’s just that, with the way our car currently works, adding downforce doesn’t work, it just makes it bounce more.”
“This is a World Championship Team”
Lewis Hamilton still believes Mercedes can challenge Red Bull with a good Formula 1 car. He maintains that they are a championship-winning outfit and he has faith in everyone. However, crucial decisions need to be made now if they want to close that gap to Red Bull.
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Focusing on the Constructors’ Championship
Lewis Hamilton says his full focus is on securing 2nd in the Formula 1 Constructors’ Standings against Ferrari.
“I’m giving absolutely everything, but it’s tough on weekends like this, particularly where the car is such a handful,” he said.
