Lewis Hamilton proclaims his ‘full faith’ Mercedes W15 after factory visit 

Lewis Hamilton managed only third place in his 2023 campaign, failing to compete for the title for the second year in a row.

Lewis Hamilton proclaims his ‘full faith’ Mercedes W15 after factory visit 

Lewis Hamilton (Via IMAGO)

Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton had their second difficult year in a row, with yet another uncompetitive season in F1. Mercedes could not fight Red Bull at all throughout the 2023 season as their rivals stormed to a supremely dominant season. Lewis Hamilton and his teammate George Russell could not manage a single win between them in 2023.

This gap to Red Bull was due to their unimpressive 2023 vehicle, the W14. Initially run without sidepods, Mercedes was forced to switch concepts in Monaco and could not match the pace of the record-breaking RB19. With the 2024 W15 reportedly changing nearly everything from their 2023 car, Hamilton has claimed he has “full faith” in the crew to deliver a challenger after visiting the factory.

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Literally when I was leaving yesterday again I popped in just to see where we were, and when I come back, it will be again a different animal. I have full faith in everyone that's working on it. And I'm hopeful that we will be in a much more competitive position next year.
Hamilton said, as reported by motorsport.com

Mercedes have won only a single race since 2021 when they controversially lost the Drivers’ Championship to Max Verstappen for Red Bull. Since then, their highest championship position for either driver has been third in 2023 for Lewis Hamilton, though they did manage second in the Constructors’ standings. 

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Lewis Hamilton accepts Max Verstappen had “faultless” season

The annual FIA prize-giving ceremony saw multiple figures of the F1 paddock make predictions for the upcoming season in 2024. Lewis Hamilton claimed the upcoming W15 challenger would be competitive, Max Verstappen said similar things about challenging for the 2024 title and F2 Champion Theo Pourchaire expressed uncertainty about his F1 future.

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

However, one of the statements made at the gala surprised many. Lewis Hamilton, who missed the gala two years ago over controversial decisions made that handed the title to Max Verstappen, complimented the Dutchman at the ceremony. The Briton said Verstappen had had a “faultless” season in 2023, as Red Bull did a great job securing both titles.

We’re working very, very hard on making sure we come back strong next year, I must say a big congratulations to Red Bull, Verstappen and Checo, they’ve done an incredible job this year. Max Verstappen was faultless.
Lewis Hamilton said, as reported by planetf1

Hamilton, now 38 years old, has said he still has the drive to challenge for a Formula One World Championship. With his contract extended and a promising car on the way, the seven-time champion will be trying his best to make it a record-breaking eight in the upcoming seasons, before his eventual retirement.

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