The Hungarian GP presented a mixed bag of emotions for Mercedes, as Lewis Hamilton secured a remarkable pole position, while George Russell fought his way up from the back to a commendable finish. Despite the race not going as planned, one aspect stood out as a glimmer of hope for Toto Wolff – Lewis Hamilton’s captivating “body language.” Wolff may have found a glimmer of hope and inspiration in Hamilton’s demeanor, recognizing the potential for a resurgence.
In the qualifying session, Hamilton delivered a masterclass performance, securing his first F1 pole position in 33 races. This achievement was a testament to his skill and showcased the brilliance that has earned him a record-breaking 104 career poles. However, the race day did not unfold as Hamilton had hoped, with a challenging first lap dropping him from P1 to P4, making it a tough battle to recover. But Hamilton’s elation after securing pole position demonstrated that he was back in top form, ready to take on the challenge and prove his mettle on the track caught the attention of the F1 community.
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Speaking with Tom Clarkson on the F1 Nation podcast, journalist Juan Fossaroli emphasized, “You can tell the body language with Lewis. That smile, that sparkle in the eyes, he was also like, he couldn’t speak. He was shouting in his helmet like a little kid.” These candid expressions of joy conveyed a message—Hamilton was back to his best.
The sight of Hamilton reveling in the joy of pole position resonated with hope and inspiration. Toto Wolff may have recognized the significance of this moment. It rekindled belief within the team, affirming that despite the challenges faced, the potential for victory still lingered.
Hamilton’s pole position may not have translated into race victory, but his spirited “body language” served as a reminder that the 7-time champion, although facing a challenging period, still possesses the drive and skills to return to the top. Also, there is another spirited debate ignited within the racing community involving Hamilton.
Is the “Baton” of F1’s Top Brit Passing from Lewis Hamilton to Lando Norris?
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Norris has displayed remarkable defensive skills, even fending off the 7-time champion while on harder tires, showcasing his growing prowess. Martin Brundle expressed his belief that the events at Silverstone might signify the “handing over of the baton” from Hamilton to Norris as the leading British driver in F1. Brundle praised Norris’s tactical positioning and his ability to defend against Hamilton’s attacks, suggesting a potential shift in the hierarchy.
However, Nico Rosberg, who had a four-year stint as Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes, disagreed with Brundle’s notion. Rosberg countered Brundle’s statement by asserting that Hamilton’s journey is far from over. He pointed out Hamilton’s strong performance in the Free Practice 3 session, implying that the reigning champion remains a formidable force to be reckoned with.
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We know Hamilton is far from over, but when will we see him on the top of that podium? Only time will tell.
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