Lewis Hamilton believes it’s too early to seek advice from a ‘Max Verstappen period’ following the Dutchman’s success in clinching a second consecutive drivers world title with Crimson Bull
Mercedes’ seven-time champion, who was controversially overwhelmed by Verstappen on the ultimate lap of final 12 months’s closing race in Abu Dhabi, instructed it remained doable Ferrari can overhaul Crimson Bull and alter the narrative.
And his view was supported by Charles Leclerc who mentioned he’s working in direction of stopping a Verstappen and Crimson Bull period of dominance.
“It’s too early to say,” mentioned Hamilton, who’s with out a win this season for the primary time since he entered Components One in 2007.
“If we get into subsequent 12 months they usually’re dominating once more, then sure, however the Ferraris have been faster than them all through qualifying…
“I feel they’ve most likely had higher efficiency for almost all of the season. Now, all they should do is choose up their race tempo they usually’ll be proper with them.
“I feel we’ve obtained a a lot, a lot larger step and steeper hill to climb, however hopefully not unattainable.”
Verstappen goes into this weekend’s Mexico Grand Prix chasing a report for many wins in a single season after drawing degree with seven-time champion Michael Schumacher and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel on 13.
Leclerc saluted his consistency and runaway success, however he believes Ferrari’s work on enhancing their automotive and efficiency subsequent season will repay.
“I hope not,” mentioned the Monegasque when confronted with the prospect of a ‘Verstappen period’. “I’ll do the whole lot I can to stop that and as a group we’re additionally engaged on that.
“I feel it is vitally clear for us the place we have to enhance. Over one lap, we’re actually robust and I feel we’re on the identical degree as Crimson Bull — over the course of a race, then we’re fighting tyres.
“Wanting again on the season, there’s been not solely tyre degradation, however there have been errors in technique, communication and tyre administration.”
“We try to make use of these final races in one of the best ways doable to be able to problem Max and Crimson Bull for the championship subsequent 12 months.
“I’m assured we are able to try this as a result of I understand how arduous we’re working and I’m assured that we’re working in the suitable path.”
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