Lewis Hamilton within the streets of Sao Paolo. (Credit: Twitter)
The seven-time world champion mentioned he was targeted on making certain Mercedes end second behind Red Bull within the constructors’ championship after which construct a automotive to match the runaway leaders subsequent yr.
Lewis Hamilton on Thursday performed down his prospects at this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix, saying he was not being ‘dazzled’ by his current upswing in type and velocity.
Speaking at a circuit the place he has gained 3 times, the seven-time world champion mentioned he was focussed on making certain Mercedes end second behind Red Bull within the constructors’ championship after which construct a automotive to match the runaway leaders subsequent yr.
“I really don’t know,” he mentioned when requested if he can win Sunday’s race, after crossing the road a robust second behind champion Max Verstappen in Texas, the place he was disqualified after a automotive inspection, and Mexico.
“After the last couple of races, people message me and say ‘ah, it’s looking good’ but it was looking good at the end of last year too, and we started 1.5 seconds behind at the start of the year!
“I’m not dazzled by where we are currently. I’m happy and I’m proud. The only reason I was on the podium is the great work that has gone on in the background.
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“I’m more thinking quite long-term at the moment and short-term, just trying to solidify second in the constructors’ because that’s so important for everyone in the team, but I anticipate that Red Bull is going to blitz it because their car has been great.
“But, if that’s not the case, I’ll be ready to take the fight to them. If it can be anything like Austin and we can get the strategy better, it would be incredible.”
In Mexico, Hamilton turned sixth on the grid into second.
As he seeks his first win for 700 days on Sunday, he added: “I came away empty-handed last season… I don’t plan on that this year.”
A robust end result for Hamilton would additionally improve his possibilities of ending runner-as much as Verstappen within the drivers’ title race.
With three races remaining, Hamilton is barely 20 factors adrift of Sergio Perez within the second Red Bull.
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Verstappen has made clear that doesn’t plan to help Perez on Sunday, saying the Mexican doesn’t want workforce orders to assist him.
“At the end of the day, it should not matter,” he mentioned.
“I’m confident in Sergio, that he can stay ahead. On average, we have had the fastest car this season so let’s hope we don’t get into that situation.”
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – AFP)
