Former F1 driver claims Lewis Hamilton ‘exists to win’ amidst his P3 finish in 2023

After Lewis Hamilton won seven world championships, a P3 finish in the championship wouldn't be so special.

Former F1 driver claims Lewis Hamilton ‘exists to win’ amidst his P3 finish in 2023

Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO).

Lewis Hamilton displayed a mediocre performance in 2023, partly due to the disappointing pace produced by the W14. A P3 finish in the championship in the season was not adequate, taking into account the high standards set by the seven-time world champion.

Former F1 driver and commentator Karun Chandhok shared his piece of mind over the P3 finish by Lewis Hamilton. Chandhok claimed that despite a solid season from the Briton, he didn’t care about the third finish. Additionally, Hamilton wouldn’t know about his P3 finishes in his career and Chandhok believed that Hamilton simply ‘existed to win’.

On a whole a solid season for Lewis, but he doesn't care about finishing third in the championship, I think if you asked him how many times he finished third in the championship, he probably wouldn't know. He exists to win.
Chandhok said on the Sky Sport F1 podcast (H&T: racingnews365.com).
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In addition to this, Chandhok raised questions over the development of the challenger for the following season by Mercedes. The Indian asserted that the Brackley maintained the best driver’s lineup in F1 after signing George Russell in the team. Hence, the 39-year-old pondered over the idea of the Brackley competing with Max Verstappen and Ferrari in the next season.

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For me, the biggest question going into next season is what will Mercedes deliver for the drivers? I still maintain they've got the best driver lineup in F1 and they have done ever since they signed George.

Karun Chandhok recapped the 2023 season for Lewis Hamilton

Chandhok explained that despite a few hitches in the season, Hamilton scored a solid year in 2023. Some races and performances in 2023 displayed the very strong ‘vintage’ Lewis Hamilton where the Briton delivered great results and displayed maximum potential.

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen podium finish at the Spanish GP 2023
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen podium finish at the Spanish GP 2023 (via Planetf1).

The P2 finish at the Mexican GP and a similar P2 finish at the Spanish GP from Hamilton were applauded by Chandhok where the Briton displayed great form and pace considering the W14 from Mercedes. However, the Indian was not hesitant in pointing out the disappointing races such as the Qatar GP and even the last three race weekends of the season.

Despite a rollercoaster of a season in 2023, Lewis Hamilton and the crew believe in a great comeback in the subsequent season. The development of the W15 has been continuously going on, with the team displaying optimism and positive comments on multiple occasions. Hence, the Brackley is looking forward to championship contention in the next season.

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