Mercedes Improvement In Spain Paves Way For Lewis Hamilton's New Contract

Hamilton finished second in the Spanish Grand Prix and is close to agreeing a new contract
11:10, 05 Jun 2023

Max Verstappen may have stood on the top step of the podium in Spain as he canters to another Formula One world title, but it was the other two podium spots that caught the eye in Barcelona. 

They were occupied by Mercedes, as the Germans moved up to second in the Constructors’ Championship, while Lewis Hamilton equalled his best finish of the season as he crossed the line in second. The upgrades we saw in Monaco are now seemingly taking Mercedes clear of the rest of the chasing pack, and that bodes well for several reasons. 

With Ferrari flailing, they should be able to secure second place in the Constructors’ Championship this season, and the financial benefits that will bring. Meanwhile, it isn’t out of the question that Hamilton himself can get himself up from fourth in the drivers' standings, with the runners-up spot behind Verstappen not out of the question. 

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Despite being in the mighty Red Bull, Sergio Perez has underperformed since Miami, finishing 4th in Spain and 16th in Monaco. If he doesn’t finish second it would be a major shock and could even lead to a driver change at Red Bull, but Hamilton will take huge confidence from this weekend’s performance. 

It’s also a result that should see Hamilton agree to stay with Mercedes for another year. His contract is up at the end of the season and although talks have been ongoing, other teams such as Ferrari have been sniffing around his potential availability. 

However, this result, if backed up with consistency, can prove that Mercedes are not only his best option for this season, but can deliver him a car in which he could overhaul Verstappen next year. It makes perfect sense now for Hamilton to stay put and the seven-time champ reiterated his desire to get a deal done after his second place finish. 

“I haven’t signed anything yet, but I think we’re meeting with Toto [on Monday], so hopefully we can get something done,” he said. “It wasn’t a subtle hint. We’ve had so many meetings. It’s just another one of the meetings that we’re having.”

Hamilton’s desire to stick with Mercedes and his continuous praise of the team is admirable, given at points last season the porpoising on the car was so bad he was doing his back serious damage. But finally, after over a year of unexpected trouble, things appear to be moving in the right direction. 

AusGPPractice Hamiltonjpg

“I’m working as hard as I can with this team and I see so much strength within the team – I think they’re still so hungry. On the podium today was really, really, really special, to be able to see them in the distance…

“To be able to see the excitement in all the people that I’ve worked with such a long time... And when we go back right now, there’ll be a great energy within the office.

“But these guys, they’ll take two seconds to enjoy themselves and be happy and then they’ll be back down into the books, trying to figure out how we can win the next race, so that’s what I love about them.”

The Brit is clearly happier than he has been in a while, now that things are moving in the right direction at Mercedes, and he also seems to be striking up a strong friendship with teammate George Russell. His guidance, and uplifting praise of his teammates performances could help Russell become a future world champion in his own right. 

With both drivers working together and the entire team moving in the right direction, it feels like Mercedes are on the right track, back to success. The next step on their road to recovery is tying down Hamilton for at least another year. Delivering a car that can win the title in 2024 now looks far more achievable than it did three months ago. 

*18+ | BeGambleAware

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