Lewis Hamilton Hints At Mercedes' Secret Weapon: Is a Podium Finish Just Around the Corner?
Lewis Hamilton recently shared his optimism about Mercedes' prospects at the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion is confident that recent upgrades to the car, including a new front wing, will enhance performance and bring the team closer to the podium.
It’s been a tough season so far for Mercedes. Despite their efforts, they have yet to secure a podium finish in 2024. Red Bull continues to dominate, while Ferrari and McLaren have emerged as their closest competitors. With the season now heading to Montreal—a place of special significance for Hamilton—there’s a sense of renewed enthusiasm within the team.
Hope on the Horizon
As Hamilton steps foot onto the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, he carries with him memories of his first-ever F1 win 17 years ago. The Montreal circuit has always been kind to the British icon, and he’s banking on this historical connection to fuel a much-needed resurgence for Mercedes.
“The car is continuing to improve,” Hamilton remarked, noting specific advancements in ride smoothness and corner entry stability. “I think everyone is obviously taking a step, hopefully, closer to the Red Bulls, and that’s been really positive.”
The latest upgrades are a testament to the hard work back at Mercedes headquarters. Engineers have been tirelessly refining the car and morale is reportedly high. “But I’m incredibly proud of everyone back at the factory, just how hard everyone’s working, how resilient everyone is, and everyone is just staying very focused, head down, and the morale is really great in the team,” Hamilton added.
The Upgrade You Need to Know About
The centerpiece of this newfound hope is a new front wing, initially tested by teammate George Russell in Monaco. Both cars will sport this upgrade in Montreal, and Hamilton is eager to see its impact. “I don’t think a podium is far away. Both cars have the upgrade this weekend, so I’m looking forward to seeing how that feels on track,” he stated.
Hamilton’s optimism isn’t just based on hopeful thinking; it’s rooted in empirical data and the belief that the team’s relentless efforts will finally pay off. It’s particularly noteworthy that Mercedes has done well to close the gap with their immediate competitors, and there is a palpable sense that they are on the brink of breaking into the top tier.
A Love Affair with Montreal
Hamilton’s relationship with Montreal is nothing short of romantic. He’s tasted success here multiple times, including tying with Michael Schumacher for the most wins (seven) and pole positions (six) at this famous track. It’s a street circuit with long straights and tricky corners, ideal for an aggressive driving style, something Hamilton is well-known for.
Recalling his first victory in 2007, Hamilton said, “I was really living my dream… Being on the podium, seeing that big trophy that you’ve seen the greats in the past get to hoist up, and looking down and seeing my dad, just how happy he was. It was kind of a relief, because of all the sleepless nights, all the energy and time that the family put into it.”
Can Mercedes Climb the Standings?
Currently, Mercedes sits fourth in the constructors’ standings after eight rounds, trailing behind Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren. Individually, Russell and Hamilton find themselves in seventh and eighth positions, respectively. “We’d finally made it and it’s something that we continuously believe through our career together, that we had the ability to do something like that, and we finally realised it, so it was a very, very special weekend. It’s one I’ll never forget,” Hamilton reminisced.
The team’s latest developments, coupled with Hamilton’s immense talent and historical success at this venue, could very well be the perfect storm that brings a much-desired podium finish.
As the Canadian Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Hamilton and whether his optimism translates into a tangible result. Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the road to the podium is looking a lot less bumpy for Mercedes.