‘Hamilton’s star quality still there’
British Grand Prix
DAMON HILL has paid tribute to Lewis Hamilton’s staying power – and said he remains ‘an undoubtedly brilliant’ driver.
Former F1 champ Hill says his admiration for Mercedes’ driver has risen after the Stevenage ace battled to overcome mechanical issues with his car – with the British Grand Prix next up in a week’s time.
Silver Arrows’ boss Toto Wolff apologised to Hamilton for putting him in a ‘sh**-box’ after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix a fortnight ago.
And Hill, who won the title 26 years ago, believes the seven-time champion deserves credit for the way he has reacted to Red Bull and Ferrari out-pacing him,
Hill said: “The best chance for a victory with a British driver would probably come from Mercedes – but they still have their problems.
“I’m not discounting Lando (Norris) and Mclaren but you have to look to Mercedes if you want a realistic shot of a home victory.
“And I’ve been very impressed with Lewis this season.
“He’s been soldiering on – that’s probably the best way to describe it – but he’s still showing signs of his undoubted brilliance. It’s still there.
“As for George (Russell), he has been doing brilliantly as well. Mercedes must be more very pleased with the drivers – much happier with the drivers than the car. We all know what Toto called it!”
Mercedes have also had to contend with erratic bouncing, nicknamed porpoising - all adding to Hamilton’s frustrations.
And Hill, who forms part of Sky Sports’ F1 coverage, believes that even allowing for the summer break – during which time the Silver Arrows will be working overtime to correct their problems – the eventual outcome will come down to a straight fight between Red Bull and Ferrari.
Max Verstappen has built up a 46-point lead over team-mate Sergio Perez with Charles Leclerc just three points further behind for the Prancing Horse.
But Hill says that Red Bull do not have a blemish-free record this season.
He said: “I see the outcome of the championship as being between Max and Charles – it probably needs a few drop-outs from Max for that to happen.
“I’m not ruling out Mercedes finding the magic that they’ve missed but if you look at historical evidence, then it’s pointing to a fight between those two.
“It sounds like a lot of points – but all it needs is a couple of slip-ups and that’s 50 points lost. It’s very close. And it could swing either way.
“Ferrari have tripped themselves up with mechanical failures so far – there have been too many of them.
“But Max had that to cope with as well at the start of the season.”
STANDINGS after 9 races
1 Verstappen Red Bull 175Pts
2 Perez Red Bull 129
3 Leclerc Ferrari 126
4 Russell Mercedes 111
5 Sainz Jnr Ferrari 102
6 Hamilton Mercedes 77
7 Norris Mclaren 50
8 Bottas Alfa Romeo 46
9 Ocon Alpine 39
10 Alonso Alpine 18
Damon Hill will be at Silverstone next Sunday 3rd July as part of Sky Sport’s unrivalled F1 coverage.