Lewis Hamilton says it feels “surreal” to be heading into his remaining season with Mercedes on this 12 months’s System 1 championship.
The seven-times world champions will race for the workforce with which he received six drivers’ titles for the twelfth and remaining season in 2024 forward of his transfer to Ferrari for subsequent 12 months.
Talking on the launch of the workforce’s new automobile for the 2024 season, the W15, Hamilton admitted it felt unusual to be trying in the direction of his remaining season for the workforce.
“It’s clearly been emotional,” Hamilton mentioned. “It’s very surreal to be right here on condition that I got here right here in 2013 – so 11 years with the workforce, beginning my twelfth. It’s such a privilege to work with a gaggle of individuals the place you see the work they’re doing over winter.”
Regardless of Hamilton and Mercedes being probably the most profitable workforce and driver partnership within the historical past of the game, Hamilton has not received a grand prix because the floor impact laws had been launched in 2022. After Mercedes went win-less as a workforce final season, Hamilton says the workforce are extra “grounded” heading into the brand new 12 months
“The main target via the entire of winter coaching is first on getting the workforce again to the place we as soon as had been,” he mentioned. “I feel we’ve had this troublesome couple of years, which I feel has been actually grounding for us. It’s helped us regroup.”
Hamilton says he’s trying ahead to experiencing the automobile on observe for the primary time immediately at Silverstone, alongside workforce mate George Russell.
“We’ve needed to re-look at issues and it’s now simply going via the necessary course of, being actually diligent with our work, understanding the info, understanding the automobile, maximising from follow – even only one lap we’d get within the rain immediately would possibly give George and I a little bit of a sense of what’s to come back,” he mentioned.
Advert | Develop into a RaceFans supporter and
“The learnings of the previous two years have helped us discover our path. “It’s enabled us to search out our north star. It’s nonetheless going to be a piece in progress, however we’ll face no matter challenges current themselves with our heads up, with open minds, and work via diligently.”
Together with the numerous modifications to the automobile’s bodywork as Mercedes have deserted the ‘zero sidepod’ idea with the W15, Hamilton believes additional modifications to the automobile’s inside might show essential.
“To know every part that’s beneath the hood, which individuals received’t get to see however we – George and I – will get to expertise on the observe, it’s thrilling,” Hamilton mentioned.
“In the event you’re not snug with the automobile, you’re not capable of extract the utmost efficiency. A extra steady, extra predictable automobile will allow us to extract the potential from not solely the automobile, however ourselves as drivers.”
Regardless of shifting to Ferrari on the finish of the 12 months, Hamilton says he stays motivated to try to achieve his remaining 12 months with Mercedes.
“I do know what this workforce is able to,” he mentioned. “I’m extremely grateful for the work of each single individual on this workforce.
“Each time you’re within the manufacturing unit, you’ll be able to see the sheer drive and dedication of everybody. We’re all mega-motivated for the 12 months forward and might be giving it every part we’ve received on the journey forward.”
Advert | Develop into a RaceFans supporter and
Develop into a RaceFans Supporter
RaceFans is run thanks partially to the beneficiant help of its readers. By contributing £1 per thirty days or £12 per 12 months (or the identical in whichever foreign money you employ) you’ll be able to assist cowl the prices of making, internet hosting and growing RaceFans immediately and sooner or later.
Develop into a RaceFans Supporter immediately and browse the positioning ad-free. Join or discover out extra through the hyperlinks under:
System 1
Browse all System 1 articles