Hamilton motivates the Mercedes team before Las Vegas
During the pre-race press conference, Lewis Hamilton reflected on Mercedes' inconsistent results towards the end of the season, as well as his chances of finishing as the runner-up behind the untouchable Verstappen.
The seven-time British world champion was in a press conference and responded positively to questions about his team’s results and his position in the driver’s championship. Hamilton did not miss the opportunity to celebrate the arrival of Formula 1 in Las Vegas.
« I am certainly more confident for this Grand Prix than the previous one. However, I think it will be a challenge to make the tires work this weekend and we are often not necessarily the fastest on the straight lines, but we can stick with everyone in the corners, even if it’s not the most technical circuit. I hope that will make things a little easier », said the British driver.
« Well, sports continue to grow. It’s a business after all, and I think you will always see good races here. It’s such a great country. I believe that to truly tap into the market here and really captivate the audience here. It’s one of the most iconic cities among the unique cities they have here, among the other amazing cities they have in America. All the lights, the spectacle, it’s a grand show, that’s for sure. Maybe with time, the people in the community here will learn to love this sport, just like we’ve had the privilege of growing up and experiencing it. Maybe the track will be good, maybe it will be bad », wonders Lewis Hamilton.
The up and down results of Mercedes
« There is potential, obviously, in the car. We had two very impressive races before. We just had it in the wrong window, and it’s our fault. But we have learned lessons and experiences from situations like this, you learn more from defeat, you know. It’s painful for everyone. But everyone has recovered. We were back at the factory the following week. Everyone is very motivated to finish the season strong. And I have no doubt that we can do it, positive the seven-time world champion.
I don’t know if it was necessarily necessary to remind them of all the work that needs to be done, but there are always good things to take away from a tough weekend like this, and for sure, when you have these kinds of setbacks, it puts things into perspective. I really think that last year, at the end of the season, we had that victory. And even though it was a huge boost for the team, it may have made us think that we would be better next year. And so I am really grateful for the experience because the guys always know that we are not as close as we would like to think, which means we have to work harder, and we just have to do a better job in all areas, but nobody in the team is under any illusions, so we realize that we have a steep mountain to climb, says the Mercedes team principal.
« It doesn’t make a difference if I’m second or third in the championship
« There are 30 points to be taken in two races. He would need two disasters and for me to finish second, basically. But for me, honestly, it doesn’t really make a difference if I’m second or third. I think we’ve still had an incredible year considering the car we had. We never thought we would be fighting for second place in the constructors’ championship and knocking on the door of the most dominant car, probably, of our time. So yes, I am grateful to be where we are and to have a halfway decent season. Much better than last year », rejoices the Briton.
