Mercedes started the 2024 Method 1 season on the again foot.
However issues have actually modified following that gradual begin.
Upgrades the workforce started rolling out on the Miami Grand Prix have paid dividends in current weeks. The primary signal of a breakthrough got here in Montreal when George Russell captured pole place for the Canadian Grand Prix. Whereas Russell couldn’t maintain on for a win he did flip his beginning place right into a podium, as his third-place end marked the workforce’s first Grand Prix podium of the 12 months.
It was Lewis Hamilton’s flip the next race weekend, as he stormed to a third-place end within the Spanish Grand Prix.
Then got here Austria. Whereas Lando Norris and Max Verstappen had been battling for the lead up entrance, Russell was operating third, placing himself in place to capitalize when the 2 entrance runners touched wheels on Lap 64. Whereas Norris and Verstappen limped again to pit lane with punctures, Russell took the lead and didn’t look again, securing Mercedes’ first win because the 2022 marketing campaign.
Whereas Russell’s win at Pink Bull Ring was aided by a little bit of luck, Hamilton’s victory the next week at Silverstone got here largely on tempo.
Now, Mercedes heads to Hungary the most popular workforce within the sport over the previous 4 race weekends, and in Hamilton’s thoughts, they’re in search of extra.
“We positively don’t wish to get forward of ourselves, that’s key in our method,” mentioned Hamilton to Sky Sports activities F1 on Thursday. “However, additionally, we’re like: ‘It’s recreation on!’
“We’re combating, we’re chasing, and we’re going to attempt to win as many races as George talked about or compete for as many wins as doable.”
Hamilton outlined how the workforce’s chase for “perfection” could also be essential this weekend, in addition to over the remainder of the season.
“[It] could prove this weekend that the Pink Bull continues to be gentle years forward, or the McLaren is, nonetheless this weekend, who is aware of? However what we have now proven over the previous few races is that with dedication, with actual focus and simply persistently chasing for perfection and enchancment you may make a distinction,” mentioned Hamilton.
“We’re united as a workforce and we’re going to attempt and ensure we end this season on a excessive. If we are able to raise the workforce up within the ladder of constructors, if we are able to progress – we’re not too far off the drivers up forward of us – then that can be nice.
“I’s actually thrilling for all of us.”
