F1 fans were left frustrated after Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff claimed that Lewis Hamilton is “still the best driver on the grid”.The seven-time world champion has not won a race in two years, with his last victory coming at the 2021 Saudi Arabian GP. Since the start of the new regulations in 2022, Hamilton and Mercedes have struggled to challenge Max Verstappen and Red Bull for race wins and championships.
Speaking to the media, including RaceFans, Wolff said that he has “no doubt” that Lewis Hamilton would fight for the title if they provide him the car. He said:
“From Lewis’s perspective, he had a bad weekend: Fact. And I think that doesn’t do anything on him being the greatest driver in the world. If we are able to give him a car, he will be fighting for a world championship, I have no doubt.”
F1 fans took to social media to give their reactions, with one claiming that Wolff made a “PR comment”:
“PR comment. He knows that’s not true.”Hb
“PR comment. He knows that’s not true.
Lewis Hamilton previews the W15 ahead of the 2024 season
The seven-time world champion said that the team understands the new car so much better than in the previous two seasons and is hopeful of being more competitive in 2024.Speaking with BBC, Lewis Hamilton said:
“I think we have a much better understanding of the car. Great tools have been developed by them in the background. Naturally, I’m optimistic. I won’t, however, hold my breath.” As you might expect, they are also anxious about making the wrong decision or making a change that is too drastic. We have a significant gap to close, so we have higher goals than ever before. It becomes extremely difficult as a result.
He added:
“If you look at the Red Bull – and they have done an amazing job – from Bahrain last year, they had a bouncing issue, and they fixed it that week. And then you can imagine, if you’re trying to build a wall, they are one brick after the other, just development, development, development.”
With the progress he has witnessed in the wind tunnel over the past few weeks, Lewis Hamilton has high expectations for the W15. Since the British driver has faith in Mercedes and signed a two-year extension until 2025, a lot is riding on the 2024 challenger.