Hamilton more and more diligent in the Mercedes simulator

Usually, the simulator, very for him. Lewis Hamilton is not the type to file the virtual bitumen in the installations of Brackley (United Kingdom). Just a few weeks ago, the seven-time champion did not lend « no interest » at work in the simulator.

« I complete something like 20 laps a year “, declared the Briton after obtaining his 100th career pole position for Barcelona.  

But given the current level of competitiveness of Red Bull, Hamilton put on the warm-up blue to try to halt the forward march of the Austrian team and its Dutch leader, Max Verstappen.

Sir Lewis therefore returned to the home simulator and did a series of laps in the hope of unlocking more performance on a W12, which was no longer to receive any developments... ah well finally yes. 

« I wouldn't say that I enjoy doing it but after the difficult races that we have just experienced, I went there to see if I could help improve our preparation, he confided this Thursday at the Red Bull Ring.  

We didn't come across a miracle solution but we found two or three good tips. I will continue to work with the pilots who are used to running in the simulator to refine the different processes, and the way we communicate with each other to ensure we test the right things. The experience proves beneficial ».

Mercedes has not won any of the last 4 races, all of which have fallen to the Red Bull. Unheard of since the introduction of V6 turbo hybrids in 2014. 

« Red Bull did a great job, Hamilton commented again. Our weekend in Monaco was a disaster, the same for Baku. It was better in France and here in Austria last week but they got a head start and we are working hard to close the gap. 

We haven't even reached the halfway point of the season so I'm still in the fight and chasing the title. I don't let myself be trapped in a bubble of negativity and worry. I devote my energy to taking care of my preparation and that of the engineers, as well as to unifying the team to correct the situation ».

Hamilton, who is aiming for a historic 8th title, is 18 points behind Verstappen heading into the Austrian GP, ​​while Mercedes is 40 points behind Red Bull.