Lewis Hamilton Suspects Red Bull are Emulating Mercedes’ Infamous Party Mode at Austrian GP

Mercedes finally end their free practice woes after topping the FP2 of the Austrian Grand Prix. With Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas securing P1 and P2, respectively.

With brief showers over the Red Bull Ring, Hamilton took full advantage of the conditions. Meanwhile, Red Bull drivers struggled as Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez finished P3 and P11, respectively.

Even after topping the timesheets of FP2 and finishing 0.217 seconds ahead of his title rival Max Verstappen, he claims Red Bull have two-tenths or tenth and a half in their bag.

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What did Lewis Hamilton say?

“I mean they have definitely got something extra in their bag! I already know that. But I think we have made some small progress today.

“But I still think they two tenths or maybe a tenth and a half,” said Lewis Hamilton in the post FP2 press conference.

“We have definitely made some small steps, but definitely not enough to close that two tenths. I just expect them to turn a up a little more tomorrow.

“They have almost basically like got the qualifying mode (party mode as called by the F1 community) that we used to have.”

Can Hamilton end his winning drought?

The FP2 results would have delighted both Silver Arrows and Lewis Hamilton. The reigning champion will hope to hit back at his title rival Max Verstappen this weekend.

However, it would be an uphill task for the 7-time world champion to stop Max Verstappen, who is in red hot form this season.

After the win at Styrian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen extended his lead over the seven-time world champion by 18 points in the driver’s standings.

Similarly, Red Bull has extended their over the Berkeley-based team by 40 points in the Constructors’ Championship.

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What do you think? Can Lewis Hamilton display an exceptional performance to end Max Verstappen’s winning streak this weekend? Let us know in the comments section below.