Lewis Hamilton Fires Warning Shots at Max Verstappen as Mercedes Unlocks Hidden X-Factor

Do you recall the last couple of United States Grand Prix? It was Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen fighting it out for the win. The 5-time winner at the Circuit of the Americas had to bow down to the Dutchman in the last couple of years finishing second best. The same was the case during the 2023 US GP Sprint. Nonetheless, as Mercedes was boosted with a special power, a hopeful Hamilton sent a spine-chilling warning toward Verstappen. What did the 7X champ say?

Max Verstappen won the US GP sprint race comfortably with a lead of around 10 seconds. However, the first couple of laps told a different story where Lewis Hamilton was right up the 2023 Champion’s gearbox. While the performance faded away as the lap passed by, Lewis Hamilton still had a positive outlook on the race. The Briton seemed much happier in the post-race interview. But what is it that is making Hamilton happy?

Well, Mercedes brought a new floor for the United States GP.  The floor was expected to improve the W14 with expectations of helping with the development of the W15. After looking at Hamilton’s pace during the sprint, Mercedes for sure is headed in the right direction in terms of development. The new floor unlocked a good amount of performance for the W14 as well. With the improved pace. Hamilton fired a warning shot toward Max Verstappen.

Lewis Hamilton during the post-race interview after the US GP sprint said, “That was a fun race. A good start and run to turn one. I was trying to catch and stay close to Max, but there pace was strong. But we are getting closer.”

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Mercedes might be getting closer but Red Bull can very well continue the same form next year. Especially as they have an advantage over the field. What is this advantage? 

Max Verstappen and Co. got a head start for the 2024 development race as Lewis Hamilton left whining

Red Bull dominated the first half of the season entirely. It was only toward the end of the season that other teams really caught up to the champions. However, during that first half of the season, Red Bull was able to eke out a massive lead in the championship. As a result, Max Verstappen and Co. decided to direct some resources toward the 2024 competitors. It was much earlier before any of its competitors were able to do so.

Lewis Hamilton urged Mercedes to start the development for the 2024 challenger after realizing that Red Bull got a head start. The 7X soon came out whining and during the Austrian GP weekend said, “I think the FIA should probably put a time when everyone is allowed to start developing on the next year’s car. So August 1, that’s when everybody can start so then no one can get an advantage on the next year, cause that sucks.”

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Will Lewis Hamilton and Co. be able to take the fight to Max Verstappen in 2024?