Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton has admitted that he does really “love” racing in Formula 1 but not “driving not-great cars”, something he currently has.
Whilst Hamilton did claim his and the team’s first podium of the 2023 F1 season at the Australian Grand Prix, he hasn’t hidden the fact that he doesn’t feel comfortable when driving the W14, something he’ll be hoping will change once the new concept is introduced.
Mercedes are set to introduce a new concept at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, with the hope being that it’ll see them close the gap to Red Bull.
Until then, Hamilton wants Mercedes to keep being “a little cheeky” and aim for higher than they can realistically achieve.
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“I really do love it,” Hamilton told Fox Sports during the Australian GP. “I don’t like driving not-great cars.
“I don’t like driving a car that’s not the car that we had meant to have.
“But I love that challenge of ‘what can I do with it?’ Okay, wins are not possible right now so what’s the maximum we can get?
“Can we be a little cheeky and if fifth is the best we can get, can we get a fourth or a third? Can we just make sure we’re consistent and make sure that you’re fit and ready so that when the car does all of a sudden switch on and it is the car that you dreamed of having you’re ready?”
The new aerodynamic era of the sport has certainly been tough for the 103-time race winner, who is yet to win since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
2022 was arguably the most challenging season of his career, with 2023 so far looking set to follow a similar trend.
As a result, some have questioned if he might retire following the conclusion of his contract this year; however, with Hamilton still having the hunger to “win a World Championship”, the likelihood is that he’ll be around for awhile just yet.
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“I’m ready to win a world championship,” admitted Hamilton.
“I’ve prepared the best way I can this year, I think the best thing I’ve ever prepared. And if the car comes correct tomorrow, I’ll be ready to fight for the world championship.
“That’s not the case and the reality at the moment. But I’m working with everyone here and back in the factory, too, to get there.”