Lewis Hamilton is expressing optimism as he battles fiercely with Red Bull and McLaren, revealing that the gap in performance might not be as wide as it seems. In his final season with Mercedes, Hamilton believes his team is right on the heels of their competitors, particularly around the Spanish Grand Prix.
Hamilton hinted that the performance gap to Red Bull and McLaren, which initially seemed daunting, is actually much tighter—perhaps just a tenth and a half behind pole position. This revelation comes after Mercedes showcased an impressive turn at the Canadian Grand Prix, where George Russell surprised many by earning a podium and beating Max Verstappen to pole.
In the Spanish Grand Prix qualifiers, Hamilton’s time secured him third on the grid, just 0.318 seconds shy of Lando Norris’s pole time. While the difference of three-tenths might seem significant, Hamilton noted that a more precise lap could have reduced this margin. He remains optimistic, stating that Mercedes is making substantial headway in bridging this gap.
Hamilton commented, “Three tenths off? That’s a pretty big chunk. For a track like this, it’s not too bad I think.” His words underscore the sense of progress within Mercedes as they aim to close the gap further with enhancements over forthcoming races. This ongoing development gives Hamilton hope that the W15 will soon be competitive against the likes of Red Bull and McLaren.
Moreover, Hamilton praised the consistency Mercedes has gained recently, attributing their advancement to the relentless efforts at the factory. “It’s getting more and more enjoyable to drive, more and more like a race car,” Hamilton remarked. Despite recent struggles, the team’s third and fourth positions on the grid mark a positive shift, promising better consistency moving forward.
With thirteen races since his last podium finish in 2023, Hamilton looks to capitalize on the progress shown by Mercedes. His last win was in Saudi Arabia 2021, right before a controversial season-ender in Abu Dhabi. Now, he’s keen to turn the tide and secure a podium this upcoming race, reflecting on how close he perceives the competition to be.
In what could be his swan song with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton is poised and hopeful. As he and his team inch closer to their rivals, this season may hold unexpected triumphs. The determination to narrow the gap and a hint of confidence in their pace suggest Hamilton’s journey with Mercedes isn’t over just yet.
