Lewis Hamilton went through a completely unique experience in 2022, as he had to fight in the midfield. The 7-time champion is not really used to struggling to get to podiums. The Briton has been reigning at the front with Mercedes for the past decade. Although this season’s reality check also revealed his affinity towards his former team McLaren.

Hamilton revealed how his old memories make his strong connection with the Woking team. As per Mirror Sport, speaking with the Channel 4 broadcaster, Lewis said, “I like looking at McLaren, I always check where they are because that was where I started and I’m always wishing them well even though they’re competitors of mine.”

“There will be days where they’re down and I feel sad for them because, again, that’s where I first did my simulation rounds, [and] drove my car for the first time. I kind of want them to do well, so I hope they have a better year next year.”

Hamilton had jumped ship to Mercedes after 2012, having spent 6 years at Woking. Since then, McLaren has been on a downward spiral. While 2013 and 2014 were decent seasons, 2015 saw them struggle badly. Their 3 years, with Honda as an engine supplier, left them reeling in the lower half of the grid.

Although since then, they have put on a good resurgence since 2019. The Papaya team hoped to hit the front of the field in 2022 but failed to execute the new aero regulations.

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Despite being the Silver Arrows’ current competitor, Lewis’ love and hope for McLaren’s better future is great. But can it help them to rejuvenate and make a step forward in 2023 and beyond that?

Besides wishes from Lewis Hamilton, what does McLaren need to return to the top of F1?

The resurgence of McLaren may have hit a speed breaker in 2022, but they still have all the necessary elements for a fairytale comeback. Like Lewis Hamilton, the Woking outfit has got a dynamic British young driver in Lando Norris. The 23-year-old has improved in leaps and bounds since his debut in 2019.

Norris carried the team for the last 2 years, by scoring a bulk of their points tallies. Meanwhile, his teammate Daniel Ricciardo struggled badly with the handling of the car. But, with another Australian youngster, Oscar Piastri, replacing Daniel for 2023, McLaren should be sorted with two young dynamic drivers.

Apart from the drivers, the British team has also made several investments in its infrastructure. Despite some delays, McLaren CEO Zak Brown expects their new wind tunnel to benefit them sooner than later. If all goes to plan, their 2024 car might be their first contender and a threat to the top teams.

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McLaren last competed for the championship back in 2012, which was also Lewis Hamilton’s last year with them. So, they might be looking at Norris to fulfill the same role as Lewis, but they need to get it all together for a strong title campaign in 2024 or beyond. When do you think will we see McLaren return to the top and fight for the championship again?