Lewis Hamilton on Why He Isn’t Happy With Mercedes’ Upgrades Despite Getting Closer to Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen

After a slow start to the 2023 F1 season, things are finally looking up for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes. They ditched their zero-sidepod concept in Monaco, and since then, have witnessed a drastic increase in performance. Hamilton meanwhile, is not impressed with the strides they made, despite earning back-to-back podium finishes with the Silver Arrows.

Hamilton and Mercedes achieved their best finish of the season in Barcelona earlier this month when the team achieved a double podium result. He finished P2 and George Russell finished P3, which took them ahead of Aston Martin in the drivers’ standings. The seven-time champion’s strong performances continued into the Canadian GP weekend, where he again finished in the top three, just behind Alonso in P2.

Hamilton is within touching distance of Alonso in the drivers’ standings at the moment. In spite of this resurgence in form, the Briton isn’t completely happy. This is because, in his eyes, the team hasn’t improved much overall.

Mercedes hasn’t improved since the year began, says Lewis Hamilton

According to Hamilton, there isn’t anything Mercedes has improved on in particular, since the 2023 season began. As reported by Formula1.it, after the recently concluded Canadian GP, the 38-year-old admitted that the only difference he sees is in the aerodynamic aspect of the car.

“In truth, there is no big difference from the beginning of the year,” he said. “There are some elements of the car that are obviously different thanks to the update, but it is simply because we have a little more downforce. However, the characteristics of the car are very similar to those we had in the first race.” 

Hamilton went on to say that for them to achieve even better results in the coming races, there has to be even more changes. However, as he has insisted several times on previous occasions, he fully trusts his team to deliver results.

Prospect of Hamilton vs Alonso battle

Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso share a rivalry that goes way back. It all started during Hamilton’s debut season back in 2007, but its been a long time since we’ve seen a season long tussle between the two legendary drivers.

Hamilton and Mercedes’ recent upgrades seem to have brought them on par with Alonso and Aston Martin. This gives fans an opportunity to witness the seven-time title winner go toe to toe with Alonso. Both drivers are aiming to finish right behind runaway championship leader Max Verstappen.

Currently, Hamilton is P4 in the standings with 102 points to his name. He is 15 points behind Alonso, who in turn is just nine points behind Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez.