Lewis Hamilton has claimed that Mercedes’ drop in competitiveness since the summer break has emanated from its Formula 1 rivals bringing more working updates.
Mercedes ventured into the annual mid-season shutdown poised to sustain a promising end to the campaign with a run which comprised three victories in four races.
George Russell ended Mercedes’ protracted drought in Austria, while Hamilton took an emotional win on home soil at Silverstone and then also triumphed in Belgium.
However, Mercedes has struggled since the season resumed as Russell’s fortunate podium in Baku remains the side’s sole top-three race finish in the last five rounds.
The German marque’s regression can be attributed to experiencing another development setback with a revised floor design that delivered unintended complications.
Mercedes being forced to abandon new parts has coincided with both Ferrari and McLaren adding considerable upgrade packages to move clear in the pecking order.
Hamilton has denied that the W15’s behaviour has changed in recent races and instead cited that the onus is on Mercedes to unlock more performance with updates.
When asked what has happened to Mercedes’ 2024 car since the break, Hamilton told media including Motorsport Week in Singapore: “I don’t think it has changed.
“I think the others have gained. We brought an upgrade to Spa, but then we didn’t end up using it.
“And then I think the others have from Zandvoort to Monza have brought more upgrades, particularly like Ferrari. I think McLaren have as well.
“So, we await ours in a couple of races.
“I think McLaren seem to be the ones that are evolving and advancing the fastest if you look at their impressive [rear] wing.
“We just have to kind of wait and see and do the best with what we have.”
Hamilton relishing return to Austin
Mercedes has developments in the pipeline to arrive once the season restarts at the United States Grand Prix that it hopes will bring it back into contention at the top.
Hamilton has a sublime record since the Circuit of the Americas came onto the F1 calendar in 2012 as he has conquered the Texan venue on five separate occasions.
The seven-time F1 champion has also crossed the line in second place on his previous two visits despite Mercedes’ woes, though he was disqualified 12 months ago.
However, Hamilton has reiterated that preserving his stellar streak in Austin will depend on whether Mercedes’ upcoming updates produce the step the team expects.
“It’s a good track,” the Briton previewed. “It’s one of the best circuits for racing.
“I’m looking forward to going there and well, at least I have a fresh engine there.
“Hopefully our upgrades work. I know the team are working incredibly hard to bring these upgrades.
“Over the last three years, sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes it doesn’t correlate perfectly to the wind tunnel and CFD.
“I’m really hoping, fingers crossed, that we add it and it really works. Last year, we brought an upgrade there and it was great. So I’m kind of praying that it does.”
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