Lewis Hamilton earlier advised how he doesn’t care about where his team finishes this season as he cares about fighting for the title next season. Even Toto Wolff advised that challenging for the title is what Mercedes is all about. Regardless, Lewis Hamilton and Co’s future plans were termed weak despite the fact that the Brackley stable is set to lock in the $11 million victory. What is this all about?
Ever since the Austrian GP, Aston Martin seems to have taken a step back in the development race with the competition moving ahead of them. Ferrari’s pace has been there but is very track sensitive like we saw at the Dutch GP. As a result, Lewis Hamilton and Co. look set to grab the extra $11,000,000. It’s the difference in prize money between finishing 2nd and 3rd in the constructors.
High expectations have been set for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes. The Brackley stable is currently 2nd in the constructors and is expected to finish in that place. The same was advised in the latest episode of the Sky Sports F1 podcast. And not only that, Nico Roberg, Hamilton’s former nemesis, expected the Brit to overtake Fernando Alonso in the championship.
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According to the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Nico Rosberg said, “They’re [Mercedes] fully focused now on next year. Therefore, it is just what it is now. And with the car they have, yes, I think they should secure second place and probably jump Alonso in the drivers championship. I think Lewis should be able to get ahead of him. That’s it. I don’t think we should expect much more.”
Rosberg’s advice that Mercedes shouldn’t expect more highlights the weakness in Mercedes’ future plans. A team that once was known for winning the title now has to contend with P2. However, Lewis Hamilton’s finishing in P2 was put in jeopardy by Aston Martin as Mike Krack revealed the aggressive plans for the green team.
Mike Krack on making small steps in performance throughout the remainder of the season
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Aston Martin may have been overwhelmed by all its competitors bringing huge updates to their cars. However, Aston Martin finished P7 in the constructors last year meaning they have the most development points and time in the wind tunnel. Mike Krack, after the Dutch GP, advised that the team will continue to upgrade the current car bit by bit till the end of the season.
According to AstonMartinF1.com, Mike Krack said, “We’ve got a new floor here this weekend and a few other upgrades on the car. The changes that we made for Spa worked, they improved the car, but the step was small. I think we will see something similar in Zandvoort and at races going forward: small steps, not enough to instantly close a large gap. We’ll keep making them and take the car forwards. Interesting times ahead.”
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What do you think? Will Lewis Hamilton be able to overtake Fernando Alonso in the driver’s championship?
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