Lewis Hamilton says he now “definitely” thinks he can win races this season as Mercedes boss Toto Wolf roars after the Spanish Grand Prix: “Can we fight for the World Cup, you bet we can.”; George Russell finished third on Sunday and Hamilton fifth after a huge recovery
By Matt Morledge
Last updated: 23/05/22 6:10
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The best of the action from the Spanish Grand Prix
The best of the action from the Spanish Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton believes he has revived his season with an “amazing” return to the Spanish Grand, which he says has felt “better than victory”, and is adamant that he could fight Max Verstappen without any problems.
Meanwhile, provocative Mercedes claim to be back in the battle for the 2022 Formula One Championship.
After five laps trying to figure out or unlock the pace of their W13 car, world champions Mercedes enjoyed a much more racing weekend in Barcelona and, although not close to Charles Leclerc of Ferrari or Verstappen of Red Bull in qualifiers, held an encouraging race with George Russell III and Hamilton Fifth.
As Hamilton finished behind his younger teammate again, his result was welcomed by the team after he suffered a collision and a breakthrough in the first lap, which sent him back. The seven-time world champion was one of the fastest drivers on the track on his way back to the race.
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After suffering a break in the first lap, Lewis Hamilton recovered to finish fifth, while Mercedes continued to improve in the sixth race of the season.
After suffering a break in the first lap, Lewis Hamilton recovered to finish fifth, while Mercedes continued to improve in the sixth race of the season.
Hamilton has been adamant in recent weeks that he is out of the title – and he is 64 points behind Verstappen – but it seems that the Spanish Border has revived his hopes of fighting again.
On Sunday, Hamilton said he now “definitely” believes he will win a race this season, commenting: “We have made a lot of improvements with the car.
“The pace of the race is much, much better – the car is much better in the race. This is a great sign that we are moving in the right direction.
“Without [my start]I was going to fight the Red Bulls.
“It gives me great hope that at some point we will fight for victory.”
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Mercedes boss Toto Wolf was pleased with their performance over the weekend in Spain after George Russell finished third and Lewis Hamilton finished fifth
Mercedes boss Toto Wolf was pleased with their performance over the weekend in Spain after George Russell finished third and Lewis Hamilton finished fifth
Team boss Toto Wolff went a step further.
“Can we fight for the World Cup?” You bet we can, “Wolff added. “We have reason to believe we can get there.
“If you look at the standings, it’s very difficult to see, but motor racing is a different ball game.
“Today we saw that Ferrari didn’t score many points when they should have and we will absolutely get rid of them to get us back in the game.”
Hamilton to recover “better than victory” and a difficult start to 2022
Mercedes is already 75 points behind the new leaders of Red Bull, as Ferrari withdrew with the failure of Charles Leclerc in reliability and DNF.
Hamilton admitted that he went through the Spanish GP after contact with Kevin Magnussen initially dropped him 30 years behind the group in 19th place, with the Englishman saying his return was “impossible” – while he even asked Mercedes if they have to tow the car to save mileage.
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Lewis Hamilton and Kevin Magnussen collide on the first lap of the Spanish Grand Prix, leading to the piercing of the Mercedes driver
Lewis Hamilton and Kevin Magnussen collide on the first lap of the Spanish Grand Prix, leading to the piercing of the Mercedes driver
“I couldn’t figure it out,” Hamilton said, referring to the Saudi GP as he struggled to make his way through the pack. But in this Mercedes car, which had major improvements to the floor and front wing in Spain, it thrives.
“I’m glad we didn’t, it just shows you’re not stopping, you’re not giving up.”
On his return, which would have been good enough for fourth place if Mercedes hadn’t told him to allay his own fears of reliability, Hamilton insisted: “Racing like this is like winning.
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George Russell somehow kept Max Verstappen in the battle for second place in the Spanish Grand Prix
George Russell somehow kept Max Verstappen in the battle for second place in the Spanish Grand Prix
“In fact, you often feel better than winning when you come from so far back.
“There were a lot of difficulties in this race, which started so far away.
“There was a young girl I spoke to yesterday who was my little inspiration. Isla, a five-year-old child who is terminally ill. She said, “Can you win the race tomorrow?” I said, “I don’t know if I can win the race, but I’ll give it my all.”
“I hope it was a bit like a victory and I dedicated it to her.”
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After being overtaken by Lewis Hamilton moments before, Carlos Sainz regained the fourth position from the Mercedes driver in the penultimate lap
After being overtaken by Lewis Hamilton moments before, Carlos Sainz regained the fourth position from the Mercedes driver in the penultimate lap
Hamilton also revealed his recent struggles after going through an extremely unfortunate period after the controversial end of last season, as his 2022 was hampered by unfortunately scheduled Safety Cars, as well as his weak car.
“Since the last race last year, it has been difficult everywhere,” he said. “In order to have the difficulties we had with the car, to have constant blows, safety cars and all sorts of things… we just keep getting back on the horse and pushing, never giving up.
“To start the race today positively and then have this problem, then come back, I felt like some of the older races I’ve done, it’s amazing to me.”
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