Sir Lewis Hamilton has been racing in Formula One for over 15 years. He has won the most races of any driver in the history of the sport. After all the records and achievements, the seven-time champion finds himself fighting for the eighth title almost at 39. But it is just hard when a driver does not have a competitive car. Moreover, Hamilton never really had to deal with such a situation in his long career before. Prior to 2022, he had won races in every season.
However, last year saw the first time in the most accomplished racer’s career a Grand Prix win drought. And it continued this year as well. In the middle of the 2023 season, Hamilton signed a two-year extension with Mercedes. Hence, he will wait for another couple of years to see if Mercedes can provide him with a car that will help him fulfill his desire. But the way things are going, it seems it might take a while for Lewis Hamilton to bounce back against Red Bull and Max Verstappen.
Can Lewis Hamilton Beat Max Verstappen For His Eighth Title In The Coming Years?
While driving W14 last February for Silverstone shakedown, Lewis Hamilton knew they would not beat Red Bull this year. Moreover, his chances to win his eighth title went from slim to none in 2023. Mercedes continued with their zero-side pod design, which didn’t help their cause. Recently, Lewis Hamilton mentioned he had high hopes for 2023, but it was not a great feeling while driving W14 in Bahrain and then in Jeddah. As per RacingNews365, when his team showed excitement over the zero side pod concept, Hamilton had doubts as he told them, “We will see.”
Later, when the car started showing all those problems, Lewis Hamilton knew it would be a long year. Mercedes really wasted this year. And now they have fallen farther behind Red Bull. However, it might seem a lot of drastic changes going on. But coming back stronger next season to retain the title seems virtually impossible for Mercedes. In terms of understanding of the car concept, Mercedes is two years behind than their rivals Red Bull. Hence, getting back the throne won’t happen overnight for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes.
The British Driver Has Only The Mercedes Car To Blame
The last time the seven-time champion won a Grand Prix was back in 2021 in the Saudi Arabian GP. But Lewis Hamilton only has the poor Mercedes car to blame. The Silver Arrows thought the zero-side pod concept was a good idea. No other team thought of it, and it could have been a surprise package for the German team.
However, the plan backfired as the car was horrible, and the team had to deal with porpoising issues all year long. As a result, Hamilton’s chances to win another title look even farther away than ever. Now, as long as Lewis Hamilton stays with the German team, he’ll have to wait for them to build a car worthy to win races and titles.
