Mercedes Won’t Prioritize Lewis Hamilton as He Gears Up to Maintain His 15-Year-Old Record in Enemy’s Fortress: “It’s Not What He Would Ever Want”

Lewis Hamilton has won a race in every season he has competed in. Ain’t that an incredible record? However, in 2022 this streak is potentially gonna break with just one race remaining in Abu Dhabi. Having scored their first win in Brazil last week, Mercedes intent to carry their good form to the Middle East. Although they have indicated that they are not going to focus on trying to maintain Hamilton’s streak at Abu Dhabi, where Max Verstappen has won the last two times.

Ahead of the Abu Dhabi GP weekend, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said that they are not going to prioritize Hamilton’s win streak record. He said, “I think Lewis doesn’t need any prioritization, and it’s not what he ever would want. I think that he mentioned before that this record of winning a race in every single season, that is less of a priority for him.”

Furthermore, he elaborated on what Lewis expects from the team. He added, “It’s more that we’re getting the car back to where it can be, and we’re racing for more race victories next year, and hopefully a championship.”

Wolff unfortunately was not present in Sao Paulo when his team clinched their first win of 2022. The Austrian congratulated George Russell and Lewis Hamilton on a video call after the race concluded. While Hamilton finished P2 behind Russell, the Brackley squad was elated that they were back at the front.

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With the focus on 2023, both Hamilton and Russell are intent to fight for wins and the championship potentially. Wolff will be keen to get back to winning ways with Mercedes‘ W14 challenger (their next year’s car).

Lewis Hamilton on his “Win every Season” Record

Back in September, Hamilton was interviewed and asked about his “a win every season” streak. He replied, “I’m not focused on the record but of course, I’m trying to get that win this year. But the record is not important to me, just because I don’t really care about records in general.”

After the race win for Mercedes in Interlagos, Hamilton said that it is a great sign for the future. He was ecstatic that the team’s efforts to resolve the W13 car’s core issues had paid off. Lewis stated, “I’m so proud of the team for all the incredible hard work. We wouldn’t be able to be up here today without them.”

Nonetheless, Mercedes have a long way to go in terms of car development for 2023. They will have to develop their W14 challenger and try to eliminate all the core flaws that hampered their pace in 2022.

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Whether the Silver Arrows can do so or not, only time will tell. Nonetheless, Russell and Hamilton will look to replicate their Interlagos performance at the Yas Marina finale. What do you think, can Mercedes get a 2nd consecutive win to close out the season?