Lewis Hamilton gives his final verdict on Mercedes’ pace compared to McLaren and Ferrari after P6 finish at Imola

Lewis Hamilton earlier claimed 2024's start to be his worst start to any season in his F1 career.


Lewis Hamilton gives his final verdict on Mercedes’ pace compared to McLaren and Ferrari after P6 finish at Imola

Lewis Hamilton (Via: IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton qualified eighth for the race in Imola a staggering seven and a half tenths behind the pole-sitter. This slow pace of the Mercedes W15 had prepared him to be ready for the tough day ahead. Then later, after the end of the race, the Brit had to settle for an underwhelming P6 as he took the time to give his verdict on the W15’s pace in comparison to others.

Lewis Hamilton is statistically the greatest driver of all time. The Englishman has amassed 103 wins in his F1 career, and 82 of them have been with Mercedes. However, since his last title fight in 2021, the former champion has not been spotted leading races and is usually seen fighting in the midfield.

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On the other hand, after finishing in sixth place at the Imola track where he had previously won, Hamilton gave his views on the dire situation Mercedes is currently in.

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I had George[Russell] ahead of me at the beginning. I could see people and I was chasing, so I didn’t really feel like I was alone. I was just pushing trying to close whatever gap was up ahead of me. We don’t have the pace of the others at the moment. But we are slowly eking closer.
Lewis Hamilton said in a post-race interview

The 39-year-old elaborated that he had his younger teammate, George Russell, ahead of him at the beginning of the Emilia-Romagna GP. However, at the end of the race, Hamilton finished 12 seconds ahead of the latter. While Hamilton finished ahead of Russell, he had pretty much the same gap to Carlos Sainz who finished ahead of him.

Lewis Hamilton wants Mercedes to move higher up the grid

Before the commencement of the ongoing season, it was announced that Hamilton would part ways with the German marque, ending a decade-long partnership to join Ferrari in 2025. Subsequently, rumors trundled the paddock that the Brit had stopped himself from getting involved in the Mercedes’s debriefs in a bid to hamper the team’s progress.

Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton (Via: Imago)

However, Hamilton rejected such speculations and was firm in his stance to give his all for the team.

Yeah, I am still. Nothing's changed. We're still having our big meetings back at the factory. I'm still fully enjoying working with everyone and having the discussions, and the team has been really, really great. I am massively respectful, and I'm here trying to help this team progress this year and also into next year. The things that I am working on, I'm like, 'these are the things you've got to probably have for next year. Maybe I shouldn't be doing that, but I want the team to excel and succeed regardless of whether I am here or not.
Lewis Hamilton said in an interview with RacingNews365

The 39-year-old elucidated that nothing had changed since the announcement. Moreover, he is still an essential part of the meetings in Brackley and he provides feedback on where the team should be headed, contradicting such claims.

Despite his unwavering loyalty, the Englishman would be keen on moving to Maranello soon as Ferrari seems to be on the rise. Also, the team is rumored to have signed the design legend Adrian Newey. Thus, the Scuderia could be a strong competitor for the top position soon and help Hamilton claim his eighth title.

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