Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton has reportedly pleaded to Mercedes to push his cockpit position backwards, with the 38-year-old having identified it as the reason why he’s struggling to settle into the W14.
Since the introduction of the new aerodynamic regulations, Hamilton has never looked comfortable in either the W13 or the W14, whilst team-mate George Russell has been able to settle much quicker.
As a result, the former Williams driver has tended to have stronger pace than the 103-time race winner, something which many have put down to Russell having competed for a backmarker side.
Russell was forced to adapt to a slow car for three seasons, whilst Hamilton had a car that was capable of winning no matter how hard he pushed.
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Hamilton has never really had a car in F1 that has been truly awful, as demonstrated by the fact that he claimed at least one victory every season from 2007-2021.
2022 was the first season of Hamilton’s entire F1 career where he didn’t claim at least one win, highlighting how bad Mercedes’ car was last season.
Russell, of course, did claim a win last season in Brazil.
As things currently stand Hamilton doesn’t look like winning this season either, with Mercedes again having developed a car with fundamental flaws.
As a result, the Silver Arrows are set to introduce a whole new concept in a bid to return to the front, with the ‘zero sidepods’ expected to be scrapped.
Hamilton is reportedly arguing with engineers at Brackley that he wants his “cockpit position” changed as soon as possible, to help him feel more comfortable in the W14.
“I have no problem with oversteering cars,” he insists.
“But with the cockpit position advanced and the aerodynamic balance pushed forward, my perception of how the rear reacts has changed.”
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Despite his struggles in the new car, Hamilton is “confident” that Mercedes are set to improve once their major upgrades are introduced, with Imola expected to be the venue where the Germans new concept will be unveiled.
“A part of me makes me confident that we are making a good step forward with the new concept,” Hamilton said.
“I’m also aware that it can take a while to catch up from such a big gap.”