Despite Being Dominated by Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton Shows Class to Praise Red Bull

The 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi was when Max Verstappen‘s meteoric rise began at the cost of Lewis Hamilton. The Briton lost the championship in a controversial manner and since then, hasn’t won a race. Despite that, Hamilton recently sang praise for the Dutchman’s team that once again put together a car that could break the records its predecessor set just one year ago.

The 2022 season was the start of a new era in F1 with the start of ground-effect regulations. Mercedes, who were looking to bounce back and seek revenge for the humiliation in Abu Dhabi got no chance of doing that. Red Bull practically ran away with both championships, amassing 17 race wins during the campaign. The Silver Arrows, on the other hand, had one of their worst seasons, winning just one race. The embarrassment, however, was not over.

As Max Verstappen continues on his superior run, Lewis Hamilton heaps praise on Red Bull

Mercedes began to find its feet and the desirable pace towards the end of the 2022 season. That gave them the confidence to once again take the fight to the Milton-Keynes-based team. However, as it turned out, the Austrian team had created a beast more powerful than last year’s, the RB19.

Hamilton, who after 2 races, finished on the podium for the first time this year in Australia, while speaking with The Guardian recently, said, “It can take a long time to overtake a superior car. There are cars that lose strength as the season progresses, but I expect the opposite with Red Bull.” [Translated using Google]

“Red Bull is a great team and they will continue to improve their car,” he added. “Hopefully we will be able to close the gap in the rest of the season.”

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The P2 finish in Melbourne was Hamilton and Mercedes’ first podium finish for the 2023 season. The GP also marked the anniversary of their 10 years together.

Hamilton looks back at the moment that started his dominant run with Mercedes

The man from Stevenage is currently going through one of the worst slumps of his career in F1. Last year, for the first time ever, he went a full season without a win. This year, the Red Bull duo will once again give it their all to make sure that continues. To deal with times like these, the Briton needs to recall the moments of glory he’s had in the past. And what better moment to reminisce on than the one that started his purple patch with the Silver Arrows?

Looking back at his 10 years with the team recently, Hamilton recalled, “First win in Budapest which has always been an amazing hunting ground for me, a track that I really enjoyed. And I think this was really… if there were any doubts about the decision whether or not you are right or wrong, I think this was a confirmation that it was the right step, it was great to get back on the podium and solidify the decision that team took to be with me.”

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As things currently run under murky waters between him and the team, many speculated if Lewis will move on in search of the coveted 8th world championship title. Toto Wolff certainly feels he will. Hamilton meanwhile has reiterated his commitment and loyalty to the Brackley-based team. How long do you think he will stay around if success does not show up?