“This will be a really difficult season for Lewis Hamilton,” Mika Hakinnen spells lasting challenges ahead for the Briton in 2022
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Mika Hakkinen and Lewis Hamilton’s
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes‘ start to the 2022 season has been far from what they’d have desired. Currently running the third fastest car on the grid, they have a long list of development before they can challenge for the front row and a win directly.
Mika Hakkinen believes due to not the best performance by the car and arrival, and good performances by George Russell are troubling and annoying Lewis Hamilton. George currently stands second in the championship, whereas Lewis is fifth.
Hakkinen, as quoted by racingnews365.com, said, “It’s a tough spot for Lewis, it’s obvious. Russell didn’t come there to be the number two or to lose. He’s there to give his best and [is] working to become World Champion one day. He’s not bowing down to a seven-time World Champion.”
How are things looking for Lewis Hamilton after the Australian GP?
Australian GP saw George finishing P3 ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who was fourth to cross the line. This also marked George’s first podium with Mercedes and his comfort with the car and team despite it being only his third race.
According to Hakkinen, “The last race in Australia was a tough spot for Lewis, really tough. The team naturally wants the drivers to finish the race. They got the result – not the result they hope for, but still good points for the team. But I’m sure Lewis is still annoyed by the situation. It’s hard to be beaten by George. I’m afraid this will be a really difficult season for Lewis.”
Concluding with how things look for the 7x champion, Hakkinen shared a grim outlook. He said, “It’s already difficult for Mercedes, but especially for Lewis. George comes from a team with little to no success – he had some good qualifying results but not in the races. All these achievements with Mercedes are new to him, everything feels super good. For Lewis, this is a disaster. And, with George being ahead, it’s even worse.”
With a cost cap in place, the development becomes steady. Mercedes, like the others, are rationing their development according to the budget. This means Lewis and Mercedes’s suffering will be prolonged, and it’s highly unlikely for them to stand out this season.
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Manan Goel
(400 Articles Published)