Lewis Hamilton was recently asked about his chances to beat Sergio Perez to the P2 finish in the Driver’s Standings and if he expects to finish ahead of the Mexican driver yet again at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Hamilton’s reply to the question highlighted the importance of Perez’s Red Bull.

Lewis Hamilton implied that if Perez were to take full advantage of the Red Bull he drives, Hamilton’s Mercedes would be no match to the Mexican. Hamilton said [as reported by express.co.uk], “I think it all depends on Perez’s performance, He has the title-winning Red Bull and I think he has been unhappy at times in certain scenarios. Obviously he has lost points in the last two races, but so have I.” This comment cites Hamilton’s disappointments at Qatar and COTA as the two Grands Prix saw the Briton finish with zero points, his Qatar GP crash and a disqualification at the US GP being the reasons.

However, a tone of envy is unmistakably observed in Hamilton’s comment. The seven time World Champion has, himself, enjoyed the luxuries of having the fastest car on grid for over 7 years from 2013 to 2020. Hamilton accumulated 6 of his 7 World Titles during this period. Its left to be seen whether the Mercedes driver is able to beat Sergio Perez at the São Paulo Grand Prix, where the Briton is so lovingly adored.

Lewis Hamilton focused on claiming P2 in Constructor’s for Mercedes over beating Sergio Perez

Lewis Hamilton spoke of how he’s more focused on defending Mercedes’s P2 spot in the Constructor’s Standings rather than challenging Perez for a runners-up position in the driver’s standings. While answering the question regarding a possible challenge against Perez’s P2, Hamilton said the team’s position matters more to him.  

To be honest, I am more focused on second place in the constructors' championship. That is important for the team. The rest is a bonus.

Mercedes have had a positive growth at the last two Grands Prix as the Silver Arrows displayed a commendable pace. However, Lewis Hamilton’s Qatar crash and the US GP disqualification, has led to the Prancing Horse closing up to the German factory with 3 races to go. Ferrari are currently only 22 points behind Mercedes.

Ferrari have also displayed a considerable improvement as the Italian outfit has proven to be the strongest challenger to the dominating Red Bulls in qualifying. In contrast, Hamilton trails Sergio Perez by only 20 points. It will be interesting to see if Hamilton sticks to his words about prioritising the team over his solitary standings on-track as his favourate Grand Prix weekend approaches – the São Paulo Grand Prix.

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