Lewis Hamilton shares Red Bull paddock rumour which could define 2024 F1 season

30 October 2023 , 15:29

669     0

Lewis Hamilton hopes to fight Max Verstappen more closely in 2024 (Image: Getty Images)

Lewis Hamilton has "total faith" in Mercedes to provide him with a title-challenging car for the 2024 season – but is under the impression that Red Bull have made even more improvements to their next machine.

Hamilton is without a Formula 1 race win for almost two years. In that time, Mercedes have struggled to fight at the front while Red Bull have been the all-conquering force on the grid with Max Verstappen leading the charge.

Red Bull have already won both titles this year and switched development focus to their 2024 car several months ago. That's why Mercedes, among others, have been able to close the performance gap in recent weeks.

A new floor upgrade brought in at last weekend's US GP has left Hamilton very happy with his car and he drove it to second place in Mexico on Sunday. After that result, he couldn't help but dream of what machine he might be provided with for 2024.

"I am incredibly proud of my team and I have total faith in the team," he beamed. "I know we can build a great car. We haven’t for the past two years. But we can build a great car."

Sebastian Vettel warns of looming F1 ban and is "very worried about the future"

But Hamilton is under the impression that Red Bull have made strides too. He added: "There are a lot of engineers, nobody wants to copy anybody, they want to find their own way. But I think we are progressing. But I've heard that Red Bull are progressing, as well.

"So we have to be really, really strategic and really clinical – they know that already – in order for us to be battling those guys. They are so quick on the straights, we are losing two and a half tenths into Turn 1. But I believe. I'm ready. If we can get a car that can match them, we're going to have some great battles next year."

As he alluded to there, Hamilton has no doubt that he personally still has what it takes to go toe-to-toe with Verstappen if given a competitive car. He declared as much even before that strong performance and result in Mexico City.

"I'm praying every day that we will close the gap [to Red Bull] and we’ll hit the ground running," said the seven-time world champion. I want to be fighting for the championship, I want to be fighting Max. I believe I am one of the only drivers that can do so.

"But we've got to have the package, not only the car, but we've got to be operating better in our pit stops. There are so many areas we need to be levelling-up to be able to match the champions."

Daniel Moxon