Mercedes have dominated the sport of F1 for the last 4 years and when the W09 ‘diva’ was first released, it seemed like we could be in for another season of Mercedes domination.
However, ever since the Australian GP, Mercedes haven’t really shown the pace that they were expected to.
Both Red Bull and Ferrari have made giant strides this year according to Hamilton, putting Mercedes under the pump right from the word go. However, Hamilton also feels that it is always easier ‘catching up’.
“I think the others have definitely stepped up, we’ve made a step forward but they’ve made a bigger leap and all the other teams are a lot closer,” Hamilton said. “It’s always easier to catch up.
“To be pioneering, which we have been for the last four years, this team has been exceptional.
“I remember being at McLaren, it was always easier catching up than arriving with a car that was ahead of everyone else’s. That is what this team [Mercedes] is usually always able to do. We arrived at the first race and we were ahead of everyone but there were certain operations and things in the background that could do better.
“As a whole team we’ve got to operate better and that’s what we are working towards. There are small percentages that can make a difference.” Hamilton said.
With the constructor’s and the driver’s championship slated to go down right to the wire, Hamilton believes that it would be his and his team’s greatest achievement if they manage to come out on top this season.
“We’re still the same team and I believe we can battle it out with these guys,” he said.
“Now we’ve got Red Bull close to their best and then Ferrari at their best.
“If we are able to pull through and deliver as we have in previous years it will be the biggest achievement this team will have accomplished.” he concluded.
