Lewis Hamilton expressed frustration and a sense of urgency for Mercedes to make significant changes to their car after admitting it was “miles off” their rivals at high speed during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Saturday.
Despite delivering a commendable defensive performance against McLaren’s Oscar Piastri during the race, Hamilton found himself finishing in ninth place, well behind his competitors. Throughout the event, Hamilton voiced his concerns over team radio, stating that they were struggling in high-speed situations.
In a post-race interview with Sky Sports, the seven-time world champion acknowledged the deficiencies in Mercedes’ car, particularly in high-speed scenarios. Hamilton emphasized the need for substantial alterations to their vehicle, noting that the team had not made significant enough changes to remain competitive against their rivals.
Hamilton’s frustration underscores Mercedes’ ongoing struggles, which have dampened his hopes of contending for the world title this season. With Red Bull securing consecutive 1-2 finishes and Hamilton’s impending departure to Ferrari, the pressure is mounting on Mercedes to address their performance issues.
”The car is relatively good in the low speed and not so bad in the medium, but in the high speed we are miles off,’ Hamilton told Sky Sports.”
”It was like I was in a different category when I was going through the high speed between the other guys around me.”
”It is frustrating for sure for three years in a row to almost be in the same position, it’s tough, but we will get out heads down and keep working away.”
”We definitely have got to make some big changes, we haven’t made big enough changes, perhaps.”
”You look at the three teams ahead of us and they still have different concept to where we are in some areas.”
Despite his own disappointment, Hamilton took a moment to congratulate 18-year-old British driver Oliver Bearman on his Formula One debut. Bearman, filling in for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, impressed with a seventh-place finish, becoming the youngest Briton to race in F1.
As Red Bull continues to dominate the early stages of the season, Hamilton and Mercedes face an uphill battle to regain their competitive edge. With the Formula One landscape evolving rapidly, the pressure is on for Mercedes to implement the necessary changes to stay in contention for the championship title.
