Lewis Hamilton believes Mercedes will struggle to catch up to Red Bull despite Toto Wolff’s promise of making changes on the positive side. The Brit feels that the defending champions will continue to develop their car further, making catching up to them even more difficult and delayed.
As per Motorsport, the seven-time world champion said that he is aware that it could take a long time to reach a car [to Red Bull’s standards.] Hamilton continued that by looking at the Austrian team. He’s sure that Adrian Newey and his team will continue to develop further.
Mr Mercedes-AMG. 🖤💜 pic.twitter.com/vOkXEGckUK
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) April 14, 2023
Even though some teams fail to grow after reaching a point, with the Milton-Keynes-based team, it will not be the scenario, believes the Stevenage-born driver. Given that Red Bull has a “great team around“, and hence they will keep adding downforce, added the 38-year-old driver.
Red Bull is currently the team to beat. With three race wins, three pole positions, and two fastest laps, the Austrian team has set itself to a different level from its competitors.
Toto Wolff promised consistent Mercedes upgrades
In the recent development, Wolff has promised that the team will bring significant yet consistent upgrades in the next few races. Removing the focus to only Baku, the German team has decided to extend their package for greater benefits.
Speaking at the Mercedes Q and A session, Wolff shared that his team will bring consistent upgrades in the upcoming races at Baku, Miami, and ahead of the triple-header in Imola.
Checking in with the Boss. 👊 pic.twitter.com/x4T330MHGt
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) April 14, 2023
However, the Austrian executive also added that they have to be “realistic“. Adding to that, he said that their no magic bullet to transform the car, as the team will go through a steady improvement, not an overnight one.
Hamilton praised Mercedes’ efforts
Despite starting the year on a negative note, Hamilton praised the team’s efforts to improve. With a hope to close the gap with Red Bull, he hopes that the team will soon find a way to do it.
The former McLaren driver added that a part of him is hoping to find the trick. The trick is to go directly to the right path and not too far from others. The Mercedes star is also “grateful” that the team is trying to change and didn’t give up.
Banking on the past experiences of how the Brackley-based team improved, Hamilton, who recently revealed the best race of his career, is ready to put his money with the team that helped him win six championships.
