Lewis Hamilton has expressed optimism about Mercedes F1’s chances at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, where he will also have the new front wing debuted in racing by teammate George Russell in Monaco.
Mercedes are yet to secure a podium so far in 2024, with Red Bull retaining their place at the top of the order through the first third of the season, and Ferrari and McLaren emerging as their closest challengers.
However, as F1 takes place in Montreal this weekend, the scene of Hamilton’s first F1 victory 17 years ago, the seven-time world champion has shared his hopes that the Silver Arrows will move a little closer of the fight at the forefront.
“The W15 continues to improve, it’s more docile with increased corner entry stability. These are the biggest gains so far. Everyone is obviously taking a step, hopefully we’ll be closer to the Reds Bull, but it’s really positive right now.”
“I’m incredibly proud of everyone at the factory, how hard everyone works, how resilient everyone is, and everyone stays very focused, their heads down, and the morale is really great in the ‘team.”
“Hopefully we can get close to these guys and start running up front.”
Asked about the possibility of a podium, Hamilton added: “I think it’s not too far away. Both cars have the upgrade this weekend, so I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes on track.”
In addition to taking his first decisive victory in Canada, Hamilton is tied with Michael Schumacher for the most pole positions (six) and victories (seven) at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
“It’s a kind of street circuit, a bit like a go-kart track with long straights. It’s a track that’s good for late brakers, and for someone who’s aggressive on the curbs.”
“In 2007, immediately, from the start, I loved the circuit, I fitted in well, and that’s always the case when I come here.”
“I was really living my dream, especially in those first six races in F1, a little bit in disbelief, I was like, ‘Actually, I made it,’ and I was also getting podiums every weekend.
“In the end, just being on the podium, with the biggest trophy and seeing my dad, how happy he was, it was kind of a relief, because of all the sleepless nights, all the energy and the time the family put into this project.”
“We finally got there and it’s something that we always believed throughout our career together, that we had the ability to do something like this, and we finally achieved it, so it was a very, very special weekend. It’s a weekend that I will never forget.”
Russell sees ‘a step in the right direction’
George Russell is not yet satisfied with Mercedes’ level, despite the progress made: “I’m not going to say that it’s a step forward, because we haven’t taken the steps forward that other teams are taking, like McLaren last year and Aston Martin between 2022 and 2023. We must continue to progress, and it is clear that there is much more potential than what we have.”
“We went in the wrong direction with development previously, but we changed our strategy and we think we are in the right direction. As for whether that will translate into results, I don’t know, but it was clear in Monaco that this translates into performance, and that we have taken a step in the right direction.”
“It’s competitive between the top four teams, and with very tight gaps, one or two tenths can put you up three, four or five places in the hierarchy.”
Asked about the frustration this situation causes, Russell puts things into perspective: “I think it depends how you look at it. If I was a little younger and had less experience, I would find this situation very difficult and frustrating.”
“But I learned that you have to set your own goals, and even if it’s not a podium or a victory, if you have achieved the maximum with your car, you have to take it as a victory. If you’re not careful enough, you can let an external situation disrupt you and experience a spiral.”
