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Mercedes need to check “whether our upgrade is…” – Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton has raised concerns about Mercedes’ recent upgrade following a challenging race at the Dutch Grand Prix. Despite hopes for improvement with the introduction of a new floor, Hamilton finished in a disappointing eighth place, sparking doubts over whether the latest updates to the car are having the desired impact.
Hamilton, who had displayed better form in recent races, was left frustrated by the outcome at Zandvoort. He explained that the result was not solely due to his performance but also attributed it to the car’s handling and behavior during the race. The seven-time world champion highlighted that the new upgrade, specifically the floor introduced by Mercedes, may not have delivered the anticipated performance boost.
“I think the car definitely didn’t feel as strong as the last race for some reason,” Hamilton commented after the race. “We need to look into that, whether our upgrade is actually delivering or not; we have to wait and see.” This statement reflects the uncertainty within the Mercedes camp regarding the effectiveness of their recent developments.
The 2023 season has been a mixed bag for Mercedes. After dominating the sport for several years, the team has found itself struggling to consistently challenge for podium finishes in the new era of regulations. Hamilton’s eighth-place finish at Zandvoort underscores the difficulties the team continues to face, despite ongoing efforts to close the gap to Red Bull and other frontrunners.
The introduction of the new floor was intended to address some of these issues, but Hamilton’s comments suggest that it may not have had the desired impact. The team will need to conduct a thorough analysis to determine whether the upgrade is functioning as expected or if further adjustments are required. The ability to quickly assess and respond to these developments will be crucial if Mercedes is to improve its performance in the remaining races of the season.
While Hamilton was left disappointed, Pierre Gasly was delighted with his performance at Zandvoort, finishing in ninth place for Alpine. The French driver expressed his satisfaction with the result, noting that it far exceeded the team’s expectations heading into the weekend.
“I’m extremely happy,” Gasly said after the race. “We definitely were not that optimistic yesterday, and what a race, to be fair. Honestly, it was amazing.”
Gasly’s strong start to the race played a key role in his success. He managed to gain several positions on the opening lap, making an impressive move around the outside of Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso at turn one. From there, he was able to maintain his position and control his race in the midfield, despite pressure from the drivers behind him.
“We managed the tyre, Fernando behind was putting quite a lot of pressure all the way through, had a couple of great battles with Lewis and Carlos [Sainz Jnr] as well. It was fun, and I’m very pleased we managed to get on top of that midfield,” Gasly added.
The result was a positive one for Alpine, which has faced its own challenges this season. Gasly’s performance demonstrates that the team is still capable of delivering strong results, even if a podium finish remains out of reach for the time being.
In the world of Super Formula, Tadasuke Makino continued his strong run of form with another victory at Motegi. The win moves him within five points of championship leader Tomoki Nojiri, keeping him firmly in the hunt for the title.
Starting from fifth on the grid, Makino crafted a brilliant race to move into contention for the win. A multi-corner battle with Toshiki Oyu ultimately allowed Makino to take the lead. However, the defining moment of the race came when Makino’s team-mate, Kakunoshin Ohta, spun under pressure from Makino on the penultimate lap, allowing him to seize the victory.
Makino’s win at Motegi follows his breakthrough triumph earlier in the season and reinforces his credentials as a championship contender. Meanwhile, pole-winner Kenta Yamashita finished second, with Nojiri rounding out the podium in third.
Makino’s performance adds further intrigue to the Super Formula championship battle as the season heads into its final stages. With only a handful of points separating the top contenders, every race will be crucial in determining who will come out on top.
While Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton are left reflecting on the effectiveness of their latest upgrade, other drivers like Pierre Gasly and Tadasuke Makino are celebrating their achievements. The unpredictability of motorsport continues to create fascinating narratives, with each race offering new challenges and opportunities for drivers and teams across different series.
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