Lewis Hamilton believes Mercedes have made “big steps” since introducing their new concept at the Monaco Grand Prix, which saw the Germans scrap their ‘zero-sidepod’ philosophy.
Mercedes arrived at the Circuit de Monaco back in May with a traditional sidepod design for the first time since 2021, with the outfit having finally come to terms with their failed philosophy.
Hamilton and George Russell have both looked better since the Brackley-based team took a more traditional approach, with the seven-time World Champion having claimed three podiums since Monaco.
Mercedes have on the whole been second in the pecking order on average; however, recently they’ve been more like the third strongest team.
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The most important thing about the new concept, is that it’s allowed Mercedes to finally understand what direction they need to make for further progress.
“We’ve been making big steps. I think the biggest step we took was when we got to Monaco and the car has really progressed a lot since then,” Hamilton said.
“We have a better understanding of where to position the car. It’s been a lot more consistent – podiums, top-five finishes – which has been great.
“And, generally, we’ve been getting solid, great reliability. So, there’s lots and lots of good bits.”
What the Silver Arrows continue to lack, though, is downforce.
Hamilton has urged for the Germans to work on the W14’s downforce, something they are working tirelessly on back in Brackley.
Mercedes are aware that no title will be won again this season, with the goal being to claim second in the Constructors’, whilst Hamilton is pushing for third in the Drivers’ Championship.
“The balance, we’ve still got to work on. And we need more downforce, as we always do,” Hamilton added.
“But I know everyone back at the factory is head-down focused on doing that.
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“We’re just massively focused on getting second for the team in the constructors’ [championship] and [I’m] trying to get third [in the drivers’ standings].”
Mercedes occupy P2 currently by 51 points over Aston Martin, a gap they should be able to manage with the Silverstone-based team starting to fall backwards.
As a result, Hamilton is favoured to overtake Fernando Alonso for third in the Drivers’ Championship when the second half of the season gets underway, as he finds himself just a point behind.