Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time F1 world champion, had a challenging weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix, leaving him praying for better results. Despite the consolation of closing the gap to Fernando Alonso in the drivers’ championship, Hamilton’s Mercedes faced issues with bouncing that hampered his performance, mirroring troubles from the previous season. As his one-time rival, Max Verstappen, secured a dominant victory, Hamilton expressed concern over the car’s rear end. With the summer break ahead, Hamilton is also yet to finalize his contract extension with Mercedes, adding another layer of uncertainty to his future in the sport.
Hamilton’s Frustrations:
Following the Belgian Grand Prix, Hamilton expressed his frustration with the car’s rear end, which has become a recurring issue for Mercedes. The bouncing problem resurfaced, impacting his race performance just as it did last year. Despite closing the gap to Alonso in the championship standings, Hamilton admitted that the race was “non-eventful” due to the car’s handling issues. The team is still working to identify the root cause of the problem and find a solution before the next race.
Contract Extension Uncertainty:
As Hamilton heads into the summer break, his contract extension with Mercedes remains unresolved. Both Hamilton and team principal Toto Wolff have not set a specific timeframe for finalizing the contract. While it is widely expected that Hamilton will continue with the team that has brought him tremendous success, negotiations appear to be ongoing. Fans are eagerly awaiting news on his future with the team.
Wolff’s Assessment:
Toto Wolff was candid in his assessment of the weekend’s performance, admitting that it was “not great.” While acknowledging that the car was acceptable, he pointed out that one car, driven by Verstappen, was significantly faster. The team faced challenges with bouncing on the straights, overheating tires, and braking, creating a frustrating situation. However, Wolff remained optimistic about future improvements and expressed that the team is on the right trajectory.
Praying for Improvement:
Hamilton leaves Spa hoping for improvements before the racing resumes at the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August. The issues with the car’s rear end are a cause for concern, but the team is committed to analyzing data and finding solutions. Hamilton has a clear idea of what he needs, and he is hoping for the day when the team can deliver the necessary changes to enhance the car’s performance.
Lewis Hamilton’s weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix was challenging, with the return of the bouncing issue that plagued Mercedes last season. Despite a one-point gain in the drivers’ championship, Hamilton remains concerned about the car’s rear end performance. As he heads into the summer break, his contract extension with Mercedes is still under negotiation, leaving fans eager for updates on his future plans. Toto Wolff acknowledges the challenges faced during the race weekend but remains hopeful that improvements will be made when the racing resumes in the Netherlands. As the F1 community anticipates the next chapter in Hamilton’s career, all eyes are on Mercedes to address the car’s issues and maintain their competitive edge.
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