‘We’ll be able to compete’ – Lewis Hamilton predicts Mercedes will be back to its best at French Grand Prix
SEVEN-TIME Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton believes Mercedes will “be able to compete” at this weekend’s French Grand Prix.
Merc have been well off the pace of Red Bull and Ferrari so far this season.
The once dominant F1 team have struggled with their W13 car, particularly with porpoising, which hurt Hamilton’s back at Baku.
But they’re set to bring a series of upgrades to Circuit Paul Ricard.
Merc have made changes to the floor edge and the front brake ducts.
And Hamilton is in an optimistic mood ahead of the French GP, claiming Merc will “be able to compete” with the likes of Red Bull and Ferrari, despite not coming close in the previous 11 races.
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Hamilton, who is yet to taste victory this season, said on Merc’s chances: “It doesn’t faze me because I’m getting towards that win.
“I do believe we’ll be able to compete with these guys, whether it be now or five races.
“I think about the journey, we’ve got consistency and we’ve continued to push – no one in our team has given up.
“It’s been a really valuable lesson learned for all of us and experience.
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“We’ve sharpened our tools in other areas so when we do get back to where we deserve to be, we’ll appreciate it that much more. Every weekend we’re hoping to improve for sure.
“I don’t know what to expect this weekend. We’re constantly making changes to the car, aero-surfaces and everything.
“I’m hoping we discover something to move forward. In general, it’s been a decent race for us.”
Hamilton was not in the W13 for the first practice session on Friday.
Merc’s Formula E driver Nyck de Vries drove for Merc.
The 2019 F2 and 2020-21 Formula E champion took part FP1 for Merc thanks to a little-known rule.
For the 2022 F1 season, all ten teams are required to run a “young driver” in two FP1 sessions.
Team principal Toto Wolff said earlier this week that he was looking forward to seeing how De Vries gets on in an F1 car.
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Wolff said: “Nyck is replacing Lewis in first practice this weekend as part of the allocated sessions for young drivers this year.
“So we are looking forward to seeing how he gets on.”
Hamilton will drive in P2, P3 and Sunday’s race. It will be the 37-year-old’s 300th GP.