Lewis Hamilton sets out F1 challenge ahead for Mercedes against Red Bull and backs team to deliver

“The next six months have to be the best six months of development we’ve ever had to close that gap. To really bang on the door,” says Lewis Hamilton after the Japanese GP underlines where Mercedes needs to improve. close to champion Red Bull for F1 2024.

Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes must deliver the “best six months of development we’ve ever had” if they want to be ready to battle constructors’ champions Red Bull at the start of next season.

Hamilton said he is “absolutely confident” the team can achieve this feat amid the continued development of what they have already confirmed: a much-changed car for 2024 after two seasons in the wake of Red Bull.

But the seven-time champion, who finished a hard-fought but distant fifth in Sunday’s Japanese GP, made it clear the challenge ahead was a great one.

Hamilton explained how he and George Russell play their role in Mercedes’ development path Sky Sports F1: “There are things that I have asked for and that we have set some of the course for next year.

“I think all the points that George and I made have been fully listened to.

“I have no idea where the car will be next year, but we are still a long way away.

“The next six months have to be the best six months of development we’ve ever had to close that gap. To really pound on the door.”

Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell almost collide as they battle for seventh place in Suzuka

Hamilton also said Mercedes could learn lessons from McLaren’s stunning resurgence of form over the course of this season.

McLaren had a dismal start to the season at the back of the field, but changes to the car during the season, which have brought them more in line with Red Bull’s development philosophy, have worked wonders. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished a strong second and third place behind Max Verstappen in Sunday’s race.

Hamilton added: “The evidence is there with the McLarens and we cannot turn a blind eye to that. We have to look at what they have done and go in that direction. That is the direction. But I really believe my team can It.

Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell battle for the second time in the race entering Turn 11 at Suzuka

“We’ve always been good at putting downforce on the car, but with the way our car is working at the moment, adding downforce doesn’t work; it just makes him bounce more.

“Hopefully with the change in philosophy we get back to where this team deserves to be, because this is a world championship team. We are still a great team and I have absolute confidence in everyone. But decisions made during this period are crucial.” for our journey.”

Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Lewis Hamilton eliminates Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon in the space of 1 km at Suzuka

More to follow…

Will Max Verstappen complete his third world championship at the first attempt at the Qatar GP? Watch every session of the sprint weekend live on Sky Sports F1 from October 6 to 8. Stream F1 on Sky Sports with NOW. Cancel at any time