Home/F1

via Reuters

via Reuters

Hamilton severed all ties with people for a while after the season finale of 2021 had a contentious ending. Following the heartbreaking final, Hamilton did begin the 2022 season; however, the first half of the season was undoubtedly lost due to porpoising. The team was able to control the bouncing at the end of the season thanks to Mercedes’ improvements and the FIA’s new porpoising restrictions. At the end of the season, Lewis Hamilton had a few opportunities to win, but he was unsuccessful. Finally, in light of these factors, Mark Webber and David Coulthard offered their professional judgment on Lewis Hamilton’s comeback.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

David Coulthard and Mark Webber believe that Hamilton’s disappointing season this year was brought on by the disappointment of the 2021 championship. Hamilton’s eighth championship was snatched by a single mistake made by Michael Masi. The race director didn’t adhere to the necessary set of safety rules and protocols. Mercedes’ struggles this year and the heartbreaking loss were what led to the Briton’s disappointment.

In a conversation with Motorsport.com, Coulthard said, “ In my opinion, Lewis (Hamilton) has only found the energy along the way through the season and also the hunger for success. After Abu Dhabi last year, the winter break was short and Lewis’ (Hamilton) frustration prevailed. In addition, he has been at the front for a long time in his career and he got an extra tap when the car turned out not to be good enough for pole positions or victories at the beginning of this year.”

Webber, who also had a respectable F1 career, identifies the issues the seven-time champion faced in 2022 and agrees with Coulthard and said, “Lewis is of course one of the very best in our sport, but it was a tough winter for him to pick himself up again and come back. There was a second blow after that when the car turned out to be uncompetitive. Despite the fact that he has a pretty positive attitude, that was still a moment of reflection.”

READ MORE: Dutch Lion Max Verstappen Touted to Demolish Lewis Hamilton’s Long Standing Record Despite Early Retirement Rumors

The Silver Arrows have returned to their previous form during the last few races of the year. The Mercedes team won its first race of the season over the last weekend of the 2022 campaign, and now the arch-rival claims that Mercedes can have a great year ahead.

Is Red Bull aware of the potential threat named Lewis Hamilton?

The Silver Arrows were forced to settle for third place in the standings and only managed to win once all season. Mercedes, a team well known for its brilliance and dominance in Formula One, was upset by its inability to mount a title challenge, especially after the heartbreak of the 2021 finale in Abu Dhabi.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

via Reuters

Prior to the season’s midpoint, the Austrian team dealt Ferrari a number of crushing blows as Red Bull showed superior effectiveness and competency. In an interview with SPORT BILD, Helmut Marko acknowledges that Hamilton and Mercedes pose a serious threat.

He said, “Ferrari is strong, but Mercedes will be stronger as a whole. Especially with a driver like Lewis Hamilton. He’s still a top driver. Although Ferrari also has a very good driver in Leclerc, he still makes mistakes. Mercedes fought their way to us over the year. Although they are not yet at eye level, they will have more time in the wind tunnel to develop the car. “

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY: Mercedes React to FIA’s admission of “Human Error” in the Verstappen-Hamilton Scandal

After nearly a decade of dominance, this season may serve as a wake-up call for the Brackley-based team. With their appetite fired up, they will undoubtedly attack with all their might the next year.