From a project born badly, Mercedes is trying, step by step, to recover ground and get back on its feet. A bit like Lewis that fatigue came out of W13 a Baku. The single-seater is not fast enough to be a cause for concern Red Bull e Ferrari, it also highlights more than other annoying problems like pouring e Bouncing. But the team continued to work and so, after the difficulties at the beginning of the season, in Canada we saw the return to the podium of a champion like Lewis Hamilton. Le issues and controversy that revolve around the star team are always aunt. From the return of a political axis with the FIA, doubt on future of the struggling 7-time world champion, compared above all to emergence of the young man Russell. Precisely on this last aspect, he spoke again Bernie Ecclestone, former owner of Formula 1, who had already expressed his opinion against Hamilton and his pains to back.
Ecclestone's words
In 'Ecclestone's imagery Lewis Hamilton he's a nice old man who runs for fun, but with no ambitions anymore. Resigned, listless, unmotivated, even a little dazed if desired. In short, an opposite version compared to what we saw until last year. In a recent interview with Daily Mail Ecclestone did not spare half criticism of the Englishman who with his behavior would make Toto Wolff lose his temper: "Toto [Wolff] is a bit fed up with Lewis. He's not trying and he doesn't seem worried about losing. It's not like him. He has a competitive nature but he's going too far for my tastes. I can't imagine he's actually doing his best. "
Hamilton, later Baku, said he endured the “worst race ever” but Ecclestone accused him of faking back pain. Furthermore, according to Ecclestone, Lewis wouldn't be of any help to Russell. "I don't think he's actively helping George or that he cares too much. He's not prepared to win." concluded Ecclestone.
Russell supports Lewis
Contrary to what Ecclestone claims, Russell he always expressed himself with positve thinkings compared to his teammate. The results on the track would not be indicative of a surrender but only the transposition of a problem that currently affects Lewis the most. “I'm learning so much from him – how he works, how he motivates the team – it's quite inspiring to see. Even from a technical point of view, it's quite impressive, which many people probably don't recognize or appreciate." he said recently Russell.
And Toto Wolff supports both
On the eve of the home Grand Prix for both drivers, a Silverstone, Toto wolff he said he was particularly satisfied with their work, also that of Lewis. The two drivers belong to different generations, both in terms of age and activity on the track. But despite this they manage to collaborate to solve the problems that have afflicted the team since the beginning of the World Championship. 2022 still can be saved and in 2023 the intention, and the ambition is to be able to return to the protagonists of the world fight with both pilots.
“Lewis always has been very positive in his mentality during these races. The way in which Lewis e George they work together it's really surprising: in the briefings they keep asking each other questions. Obviously I believe that if we were fighting for the victory the situation would be different. Regardless, it's amazing how they help the team progress.” said Wolff, who continued, also talking about the future: "SWe are happy with Lewis and, undoubtedly, we are in a good situation with him, for this season and next. It is too early to discuss 2024. That said, I couldn't ask for a better driver duo.”
Silverstone a new chapter
Mercedes will arrive at Silverstone with updates important to get as close as possible to Red Bull and Ferrari. Right here, Wolff, hopes to give both drivers a car to express themselves at their best, getting as much as possible from a weekend in which a large part of the season is played out.
“Silverstone has been favorable to us in the past, it is the smoothest circuit of the last three, but it is not Barcelona where we have been very competitive. For this we will have to manage our expectations, work hard and find sensible solutions to make the machine work" concluded Wolff.
Statement source: Daily Mail; Formula1.it
