“We Are Just One Update Away From a Win”: Mercedes Ignores Lewis Hamilton’s Invaluable Advice Yet Again to Prepare Attack Against Max Verstappen

As the Spanish GP concluded, a sense of cautious optimism was reflected from the Mercedes garage. After a long struggle since the start of the year, Mercedes was able to secure its first double podium in 2023, with Lewis Hamilton finishing second and George Russell securing third place. This performance has spurred the team’s confidence as they continue to hope to challenge the dominant Red Bull. Yet, despite the hard-fought result, Lewis Hamilton had invaluable advice for his team, which Mercedes appears to be ignoring as they gear up to challenge Max Verstappen.

Hamilton and Mercedes have had a challenging time since the controversy in Abu Dhabi in 2021. The British driver finished 6th in the drivers’ championship last year, while Russell finished 4th. This year, Hamilton currently sits in fourth, with Russell two places behind him. But, the overall scenario looks similar with neither of the two Brits able to catch Verstappen’s Red Bull.

Yet, the Spanish Grand Prix was possibly a turning point. Mercedes unveiled its upgraded car & it was the first race of the 2023 season in which Mercedes’ upgraded car showed pace improvements. Among all this, Hamilton had the opinion that these upgrades are great, although Red Bull is “a bit too quick” to be within Mercedes’ reach. However, the team believes that with further upgrades catching Red Bull is also possible.

Mercedes’ Technical Director James Allison is optimistic about the team’s potential: “It’s quite early in the season to be diagnosing what your car is great at or what it isn’t great at, because the car’s not a fixed thing, we’re just one update away from a win”. [translated via Google]

He pointed out that the car develops throughout the year and that they tend to be stronger at front-limited circuits. Despite this optimism, one must question whether Mercedes is taking a risk by not heeding Hamilton’s words of caution.

Read More: “That’s What Makes Sir Lewis the GOAT”: Fans Lash Out at Mercedes for Rejecting Hamilton’s Strategy as Results Start to Fall in Place

It’s important to note that Hamilton’s tempered expectations may be the reality check that Mercedes needs. He praised the team’s result in Spain but acknowledged the uphill battle they face against the seemingly indomitable Red Bull. But will Mercedes heed Hamilton’s invaluable advice, or will they continue to push forward with their strategy?

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes: Balancing Optimism and Pace in Pursuit of Victory

Mercedes is not shy about its ambitions. With an upgraded car, the team hopes to close the gap with Red Bull, who has won five out of seven races this season. Despite the team’s optimism, Hamilton has kept his expectations in check, acknowledging that Red Bull is currently faster.

Allison assured that Mercedes has “plenty of firepower” to keep improving the car throughout the season. However, Hamilton’s cautious optimism might be the reality check the team needs. He acknowledges the pace of Red Bull, saying, “I think (Red Bull is) still a bit too quick at the moment but we’re working on it,”. This adds a level of realism to the team’s pursuit of victory.

As the battle for dominance in Formula 1 heats up, Mercedes appears confident that they are “just one update away from a win”. Yet, they must take into account the wisdom of their star driver, Lewis Hamilton. As the races unfold, it remains to be seen if ignoring Hamilton’s advice will pay off, or if it will cost them their much-anticipated victory against Max Verstappen.

WATCH THIS STORY | Lewis Hamilton’s Eventful New York Escapade Ft. Selena Gomez, Post Malone & More