F1
Disappointed by his car, Hamilton believes that Mercedes did not listen to him
Frustration wins Lewis Hamilton... © DPPI
After a difficult (but promising) season in 2022, Mercedes expected to bounce back for 2023… but the inaugural event in Bahrain dashed the hopes of the Silver Arrows. Far from the rhythm of Ferrari and Red Bull, the German team was even beaten by Aston Martin and appears as the fourth force on the field at the start of the championship. Something to annoy Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion opened up like rarely in the podcast Checkered Flag from British radio station BBC Radio 5 Live.
For once, the Englishman was rather critical of Mercedes. “Last year I told them some things. I talked about the car problems, said Lewis Hamilton. I've driven so many cars in my life that I know what a car needs. I know what a car doesn't need. I think it's really a question of responsibility. It’s about taking responsibility and saying: 'Yes, you know what? We didn't listen to you.' This is not what is needed and we need to work. »
Hamilton maintains confidence in Mercedes
The Briton, who came 5th in the Bahrain Grand Prix, is far from comfortable with his car. Overtaken by Fernando Alonso, unable to get the best of Sainz, Lewis Hamilton was helpless on the Sakhir circuit. If the rebounds have disappeared on the W14, the unpredictable and nervous side of his mount worries the 38-year-old driver. “We have to look at the balance in the corners, all the weak points, and come together as a team. This is what we do. »
Despite his frustration, Lewis Hamilton still maintains hope of moving up the hierarchy this season. Mercedes is currently considering its “zero pontoons” concept and could make major changes by mid-season. The English driver is banking on the victorious experience of the German team to return to the forefront in the medium term. “We are still multi-world champions, Hamilton recalled. It's just that we didn't succeed this time. We didn't make it last year. But that doesn't mean we can't move forward. »
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Dorian Grangier
A young journalist nostalgic for the motorsport of yesteryear. Raised on the exploits of Sébastien Loeb and Fernando Alonso.
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YVES CHAMPOD
09/03/2023 at 03:34 a.m.
Let Toto, and Mercedes, fire this little brat, let him go and sell his incredible qualities in another Team! ! !