Hamilton: Lots of work to do!
LEWIS Hamilton has demanded Mercedes act now to salvage his dwindling title dreams.
The seven-time world champion left Australia last night 43 points behind Charles Leclerc following the Ferrari driver’s one-sided victory at Melbourne’s Albert Park.
Hamilton started fifth and finished fourth one place behind
George Russell who claimed his first podium in Mercedes colours.
“I will be on Zoom calls with our bosses, and really trying to rally them up,” said Hamilton.
“We have got some improvements that we need to make and we need everyone’s support in doing so.
“It is about making sure we leave no stone unturned, that the hunger is there and we are maximising every moment.
“I will be chasing the people in the wind tunnel, the aerodynamic guys, and just looking at every single area.
“There is performance to be gained and we need it now, not in two or three races. I have got to keep that encouragement and energy high.
“I prefer to stay optimistic. There are 20 races to go. I am really hoping we can get in the fight, but with every bit of improvement we make so will Red Bull and Ferrari. It is not going to be easy. The gap is pretty big right now but there is a long way to go.”
Hamilton would have taken the final podium spot on F1’s first race in Australia in three years, but for Sebastian Vettel’s lap-22 crash.
Russell took advantage of the ensuing safety car period to stop for new rubber, and emerge from the pits ahead of his team-mate.
“You guys put me in a really difficult position,” said Hamilton to his team in the closing stages of Sunday’s race.
Later explaining his frustrated radio message, Hamilton said: “I couldn’t race for position because the car was overheating so I had to back off.”
Russell, 24, is now second in the championship after Red Bull’s Max Verstappen suffered technical problems and failed to finish for the second time in three races.
The young Brit has outscored Hamilton at two of the first three races, and is nine points and three spots ahead of his compatriot in the standings.
“It is incredible,” said Hamilton, reflecting on the formative races of Russell’s Mercedes’ career.
“He has been so solid. He is really grafting away and is doing an amazing job.”