F1 News: Lewis Hamilton Getting To Grips With W14 - "Constantly Learning"
Lewis Hamilton delves deeper into understanding the complexities of Mercedes W14, especially as the Dutch Grand Prix approaches and Max Verstappen's dominance continues. Despite trailing Red Bull in the championship, Hamilton remains hopeful, recalling his close finishes and expressing eagerness to compete at Zandvoort once again.
This F1 season has been another struggle for Mercedes as they've grappled with car that simply isn't as fast as they want to be. Yet, for the Silver Arrows and their star driver Lewis Hamilton, it seems to be a journey of ongoing learning.
Challenges with the Mercedes W14
Hamilton has been forthright about his journey with Mercedes W14. After a slow start to the season, Mercedes seem to have finally chosen the correct concept path to follow as they brought in a number of changes for the Monaco Grand Prix, including removing the zero-pod design and replacing them with actual sidepods.
The floor also went through an evolution, as did the front suspension.
Despite this, Mercedes trails noticeably behind the dominant Red Bull RB19, the constructors' championship leader, as the midpoint of the season arrives. For the Brackley squad, it's less about leading the pack and more about understanding and optimising their existing package while investing in next year's car.
Lewis Hamilton's Insights on the W14
"We are always learning more about the car," he told media this weekend.
"How the W14 works in the fast corners as well as the slower ones and how the car handles the tyres. Much and little downforce, we are constantly learning from the data we collect. I learn every time I get in the car."
He continued, remembering last year's Dutch Grand Prix:
"I really enjoyed the race last year, until the end then," Hamilton added.
"I remember the crowd was great, a sea of orange. I tried to hunt for the win, which didn't work out. I'm here this weekend to try again."
With the Dutch Grand Prix on the horizon, expectations are naturally sky-high for the Briton.