Lewis Hamilton heads into this weekend’s British Grand Prix on the back of a forgettable weekend in Austria.
Photo credit: Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team
F1’s most successful ever driver failed to score any points in the sprint and could only finish P8 in the main race after receiving a post-race penalty for track limit violations.
The 103-time winner started P4 but had absolutely no race pace as the W14 couldn’t match Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren and Aston Martin on a woeful Sunday for the team.
Mercedes are introducing a new front wing this weekend as they attempt to claw back some of the deficit to Red Bull. On paper the Brackley-based team should be stronger at Silverstone after showing great pace on the high speed Barcelona circuit back in early June and securing a double podium.
Photo credit: Parcfer.me | Aleksander Ginter
“Yeah, so we have a new front wing. So it’s just one step, hopefully, further in the right direction. It’s not a huge, huge package or anything like that.
“But we’re just [going] step by step, hopefully trying to close down the gap.
“Obviously, Austria was not a nice weekend for us all. But that’s where we learn the most. That’s when we pull together the most as a team.”
Hamilton explained he’s been in the factory throughout this week to try and keep spirits high.
“So, I was in the factory on Tuesday and Wednesday with the team. And everyone’s back in, flat out, just focused on turning that negative into a positive here this weekend.”
It was an extraordinary run of success between 2014-2021 for Mercedes as they won seven consecutive Drivers’ Championship and eight straight Constructors’ Championships.
However, it’s been a lot tougher for the team since the introduction of the ground effect cars at the beginning of 2022, and they’ve scored just a single victory so far.
Hamilton maintains full confidence and trust in his team to turn things around as they look to get back to winning on a consistent basis.
“I still have 100% faith in this team. And it has taken longer for all of us to get to where we want to be. And it’s definitely not easy. But I believe that we will get there.
“I think we’ve just got to continue to work and chip away at it. And that’s what we’re trying to do.
“That’s why we’ve got the upgrade here for the front wing, we will have bits over the following races, hopefully. It can’t come soon enough.
Photo credit: Parcfer.me | Aleksander Ginter
“But I’m pushing as hard as I can. I was having big meetings with the team earlier this week, speaking to the head of aero, to the head of vehicle dynamics, trying to… Also with what’s in mind for next year’s car.”
Hamilton’s record at Silverstone is quite extraordinary. The seven-time World Champion has won his home event eight times and has stood on the podium thirteen times overall.
The British icon talked about his first memories of visiting and racing at Silverstone during the press conference today.
“Well, I remember coming here the first time when I was a lot younger, racing cadets. I think it’s around like the Brooklands area, they had, like, straw bales. I remember crashing. It wasn’t a good race.
“But then, racing, coming here for my first time in Formula Renault. And coming and watching the race, I think, for the first time – I must have been like 13, or 14 or something – with McLaren, and just standing at the back of the garage, dreaming of one day being in the car, and then getting into Formula One and having the first year and it’s been phenomenal journey that I’ve had here.”
During his astonishing debut season in F1, Hamilton took pole in his first ever British GP qualifying. It’s a moment he remembers fondly.
“I remember the crowd the first time, in 2007, when I got the pole. I think that’s probably the only time I’ve ever heard the crowd over the sound of the car. So that’s pretty special.
“This Grand Prix is the best.”
Hamilton couldn’t put a figure on how much the crowd can help a driver at their home Grand Prix, but the 38-year-old talked about how the support of the fans can spur him on.
“I wish it [fan power] was worth half a second, because we really need that right now! I mean, I hope so. I think it’s hard to quantify.
“I think, overall, the crowd just lifts you and the whole team up. And there’s this kind of feeling of floating when you come here on that positive energy that everyone brings, and just seeing so many flags, so many caps and people supporting us. It really just helps spur you along.
“And when you’re in the car as well, when you see them, you can see them through so many of the corners on the outside of the circuit and it’s really just really encouraging.
“And I always remember my first win here [in 2008], just continuously being encouraged by the crowd on the outside of Abbey.”
