Sir Lewis Hamilton has opened up on the “good experience” 2022 has been for himself and Mercedes, with the Germans eight-year run of being the Constructors’ Champions set to end imminently.
It’s been a tough year for the seven-time World Champion, who is currently on track for the worst season of his Formula 1 career.
Hamilton has previously finished no lower than fifth in the Drivers’ Championship; however, he’s currently staring at a potential sixth place finish.
The 37-year-old has claimed just six podiums from the 16 completed races this year, and remarkably hasn’t claimed a single pole position or victory.
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Should Hamilton fail to win one of the remaining six races of the season, then it will be the first season of his F1 career where he hasn’t won.
The record dates all the way back to 2007, with Hamilton being the only driver to have won in every season he’s competed in.
It’s been a year of learning for Mercedes, with the W13 having suffered from a horrific porpoising issue, which saw the Briton suffer from spinal pain at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The pain was so severe that he struggled to climb out of his car post-race and required help from his team.
Despite all the negatives Hamilton and the Brackley-based team have faced this season, the Brit doesn’t see 2022 as a “dry spell”, but instead as a “year of growth”.
“I do not look at it as a dry spell. I feel this year has been a year of growth. It has been a good experience for all,” Hamilton told reporters in Malaysia.
“There are six races (left) so there’s six opportunities and we will try to get a win, but if we do not do well, I do not think it is the end of the world.
“We will get back to the top,” assured the 103-time GP winner.
Whilst Red Bull will win the Constructors’ Championship, Mercedes are targeting second in the standings.
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The Germans are currently 35 points behind Ferrari, with the Italians having slipped into Mercedes’ grasp following a number of recent strategic errors.
Hamilton revealed that second place is now the team’s “goal”, with the Mercedes driver confident that the next six races will be good for his side.
“Our goal is a second placing. Hopefully, in the next six races, we will do well,” added Hamilton.