Failure to win this season not end of the world, says Hamilton; Verstappen eyes title
KUALA LUMPUR: Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said on Wednesday he does not see it as “a dry spell” or “end of the world” if he fails to win a race this season.
The Briton has struggled all year in his Mercedes and ahead of Sunday night’s race in Singapore is well out of the running for another world title, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen on the cusp of retaining his crown.
It is a far cry from last season, when the two went head to head for the title in the final race, and Hamilton and Mercedes are yet to take a chequered flag this term.
“I do not look at it as a dry spell. I feel this year has been a year of growth. It has been a good experience for all,” Hamilton told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.
“There are six races (let) so there’s six opportunities and we will try to get a win, but if we do not do well, I do not think it is the end of the world. “We will get back to the top.”
The 37-year-old called this “one of the toughest seasons” of his career, having wrestled with a car that has suffered from porpoising -- bouncing at high speed -- and been found wanting against the dominant Red Bulls. “We just need to understand the car,” Hamilton added.
For all that, along with team-mate and fellow Briton George Russell, Mercedes are batling with Ferrariforsecondintheconstructors’championship.
“Our goal is a second placing. Hopefully, in the next six races, we will do well,” he said.
Earlier, Mercedes signed an agreement to extend their title sponsorship with Malaysian oil giant Petronas with a multi-year contract until at least 2029. Red Bull’s Verstappen is on the brink of a second consecutive Formula One world championship ater five race wins in a row.
Another race victory in Singapore on Sunday could secure the title with five grands prix to go, but it will depend on the results of his nearest rivals.
Verstappen is 116 points clear of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, with teammate Sergio Perez nine points further back.
The Dutchman will clinch the title on Sunday at the Marina Bay circuit if he wins and:
-- Leclerc finishes ninth or lower AND Perez is fourth or lower or fith or lower with the fastest lap because that wins a bonus point.
If Verstappen wins and claims the extra point for fastest lap, the title is his if:
-- Leclerc finishes eighth or lower AND Perez fourth or lower.
If Verstappen fails to win in Singapore, the batle moves to Japan on Oct.9.
In the unlikely event that anyone finishes the season level on points with Verstappen, the Dutchman would retain his title by virtue of recording the most race wins, having already taken 11 of the first 16 grands prix.
George Russell is still in mathematical title contention in his Mercedes, but is 132 points behind so a Verstappen victory would end his hopes.
Meanwhile, Formula One will stage six sprint races in 2023, double the number of the format that has proved a popular addition to grand prix weekends in the past two seasons.
Which circuits will host the 100 kilometre dash held on the Saturday have yet to be determined, F1 said on Tuesday.
Silverstone,monzaandinterlagoshostedsprints when they first appeared on the calendar last year, with Imola and Austria’s Red Bull Ring circuit followed by Interlagos again chosen this term.
“Sprint sessions provide an exciting dynamic to the race weekend format and have proven to be popular over the past two seasons,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, the sport’s governing body.
“I am sure that this positive trend will continue and am pleased that the World Motor Sport Council has today given its approval for them to go ahead,” he added.
F1 chief Stefano Domenicali was equally enthusiastic at the increase in number of a format which he said “adds a new dimension to Formula 1”.
At sprint weekends, qualifying is switched to Friday, with the finishing order of Saturday’s race shaping the grid for the grand prix 24 hours later.
This season the sprint’s points system were beefed up, with the top three home gaining eight, seven and six points respectively down to one point for eighth place.
“The sprint provides action across three days with the drivers all fighting for something right from the start on Friday through to the main event on Sunday, adding more drama and excitement to the weekend,” noted Domenicali.