The seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has discussed Mercedes’ “new path” ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Team Principal Toto Wolff had previously confirmed that Mercedes would bring small upgrades in the coming weeks as the team seeks to close the gap on championship leaders Red Bull.
With five races in six weekends, the team has plenty of opportunity to continue developing their car.
Hamilton sounded relaxed and cautiously optimistic as he spoke to the press ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
He stated that this weekend’s upgrades were not a magic bullet that would see the Silver Arrows return to race-winning ways.
He emphasized how competitive it is at the front of the field, with Aston Martin having emerged as a genuine contender.
“I think it will be an upgrade, naturally, but I think it will be kind of the start of a new path for us,” Hamilton said.
“It will be at the core still the same car, but part of the path of getting where we want to be.”
Mercedes currently sits third in the constructors’ standings, with the Silver Arrows nine points behind Aston Martin and 67 behind Red Bull.
Despite a positive result from the last race in Australia, where Hamilton secured his first podium of the season, he noted that Mercedes is not making up the “crazy ground” that there is.
"Moving forwards, it's just going to be great for the team" 🙌
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Lewis Hamilton gives his thoughts on James Allison returning to the role of technical director at Mercedes 👇 pic.twitter.com/YqHfyCrCWw
“A lot of work has been done in the background, the last race was really great for us – we worked hard to get that sort of result,” Hamilton said.
“It won’t be easy to do that again, the Ferraris will be quick, the Red Bulls, the Astons. I just hope we are in the mix and with the shake-up of the whole weekend, it’s probably the most exciting weekend so far.”
The exact developmental direction Mercedes has taken will be revealed when the cars take to the track on Friday.
However, with only one practice session available to gather data, Miami may be the more likely venue to see just how big a jump they have made.
