Lewis Hamilton has insisted that Mercedes can close the gap to Red Bull in the 2024 Formula 1 season after he saw the Silver Arrow’s car for next year in the team’s wind tunnel for the first time.
In 2023, Red Bull, led by Max Verstappen, dominated the competition, winning an impressive 21 out of 22 races. Verstappen himself was responsible for 19 of those victories, showcasing his exceptional talent.
Meanwhile, Mercedes found themselves in a battle for the best of the rest, securing second place in the constructors’ championship, narrowly edging out Ferrari by three points. However, they finished a staggering 451 points behind Red Bull, accumulating less than half of their total points.
Despite the significant gap, Lewis Hamilton, who claimed third place in the drivers’ championship, remains optimistic about Mercedes’ chances of catching up to Red Bull. He recently caught a glimpse of the yet-to-be-unveiled W15 for the upcoming season and believes it holds promise.
Hamilton expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s always an exciting time of the year because I get to see the car in the wind tunnel. I visit the factory and witness its evolution in whichever direction it takes. When I return, it will be a different beast altogether.”
He has complete faith in the team working on the car and is hopeful that they will be in a much more competitive position next year. Hamilton also congratulated Red Bull and Max Verstappen for their incredible performance throughout the season, acknowledging their flawless execution.
Acknowledging the gap between Mercedes and Red Bull, Hamilton believes that they can close it with hard work and determination. He expressed his gratitude towards his team for their unwavering commitment and never giving up, despite starting the year with a less-than-ideal car.
In conclusion, Hamilton remains optimistic about Mercedes’ ability to catch up to Red Bull and is confident in the team’s potential for the upcoming season.
“Everyone continued to show up every day and that was what was most inspiring for me.
“I hope we come back next year and give it everything.”