Berlin – More determined than ever and now back in the classic Silver Arrow: Lewis Hamilton is ready for the thrilling revenge in the Formula 1 world title fight before the test drives that begin in Barcelona on Wednesday Year-old Brit not to be slowed down on the new path to the 8th World Cup triumph. “What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger,” he emphasized. “I’m focused on being the best I can be.”
During his week-long complete withdrawal from the public, Hamilton pressed the reset button. He enjoyed spending time with the entire family. Hamilton has long been back in training mode, and early morning runs through the streets of London are part of the program. He recently presented the Mercedes W13 together with his new teammate George Russell. The car with which Hamilton wants to leave Michael Schumacher behind in the title collection and immediately dethrone the new champion Verstappen again.
Hamilton has nothing against the 24-year-old Dutchman. “Max did everything you do as a driver when given the opportunity,” said Hamilton. The Brit watched the race in which Verstappen was able to overtake Hamilton on December 12 last year on the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi thanks to the decisions of the now deposed race director Michael Masi in the last lap, but not until today. For too long he had it in his head. But he honestly never thought of resigning, Hamilton assured. “I never said I would quit. I love what I do.”
Nevertheless, at the end of a season you always think about whether you want to continue to sacrifice the time and effort to be world champion. “It’s a normal mental process for me.” This time, however, was influenced by a “significant” factor. He lost a bit of his faith in the sport he loves back then. “Moments like this can define careers, but I don’t let that happen,” said Hamilton, who looked upbeat and relaxed. The current measures taken by the International Automobile Federation could only be a first step, he said, after the Fia had reassigned the race management and announced a video referee, among other things.
Hamilton wants to turn emotions into power. The power he will need to reassert himself in a record-breaking 23-race season and clinch his historic eighth title. “Our batteries are charged because we have an unpaid bill,” emphasized team boss Toto Wolff, adding with a view to Hamilton: “It’s the attack mode.”
After two years in the silver arrow painted black as a sign against racism, Hamilton and Russell will race around the tracks in the classic silver look. Otherwise, practically everything on the W13 is completely new due to the extensive rule changes, especially in the aerodynamic area. According to the team, only the steering wheel was carried over from the previous model. Whether it is a winning car – open. The rather narrow sidepods are striking. Definitely a different concept than the new Ferrari F1-75. “We’re starting from scratch again,” said Wolff: “Past success doesn’t guarantee anything.” The data from the three-day test drives next week in Barcelona should provide initial insights; on March 20th things will get serious there with the start of the race.
With Russell replacing Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes should gain clout in the battle with Red Bull, but possibly also with Ferrari, McLaren and possible other surprise teams. “When I was karting, Lewis was like a superhero to me,” said ex-Williams driver Russell. At the end of 2020, the now 24-year-old represented Hamilton, who was infected with Corona at the time, and only missed out on a win in the Mercedes through bad luck and breakdowns.