Hamilton reflects on ‘emotional’ return to Mercedes F1 factory

Lewis Hamilton endured another winless campaign this year but the seven-time World Champion asserts Mercedes is in a positive mood after a recent visit to its factory.

Lewis Hamilton said that his most recent visit to Mercedes’ Formula 1 factory was “emotional” following the team’s Constructors’ Championship second-place finish.

Red Bull dominated on their way to winning two championships, while Mercedes held off a challenge from Ferrari for the runner-up position.

The Silver Arrows has slipped back in the pecking order ever since the introduction of new technical regulations in 2022 and endured its first winless campaign since 2011 this year.

Following the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton returned to Mercedes’ two factories in Brackley and Brixworth.

“It’s always quite emotional,” the seven-time World Champion told media including RacingNews365.com.

“I’ve been with the team for such a long time but every time you go back to Bixworth and Brackley, and you’re reminded of just how big a team is pushing you forward.

“Some people that are new to the team have joined whilst I’ve been here, some have been here way before and also [there are] some that have worked on my engine since my first Grand Prix in Formula 1.

“It’s amazing to see just the progress and the growth. Our team is becoming more and more diverse, which has been really like pleasing for me to see that we are moving in the right direction.“

Mercedes mood ‘positive’ after 2023 season
Regardless of being not able to battle for the title for the subsequent season running, Hamilton stated that Mercedes isn’t downbeat as it seeks further developed structure for the following year.

“I’ve been extremely occupied. It’s been a long, drawn out year, however only taking care of the multitude of potential issues working with the group, simply expressing gratitude toward everybody for the astonishing work they’ve done consistently,” he said.

“So it’s an exceptional season, slowing down and you’re seeing where we’re going next.The temperament is extremely sure.

“The group, every one of the individuals in the group are extraordinarily thankful to have second in the Constructors’ [standings], given the difficulties that we confronted this season.”