1996 Formula world champion Damon Hill believes Lewis Hamilton has every right to be frustrated after enduring a subpar Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.
The seven-time world champion was on podium last time out in Singapore but finished a distant fifth in Suzuka where his Mercedes was no match for the McLaren of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri who completed the podium after Max Verstappen stormed to his 13th win of the year which handed Red Bull Racing their six constructors’ title.
Hamilton has been very critical about the changes Mercedes need to make to be competitive next year and said after the Suzuka race that the next six months will be the greatest in terms of car development if there is to be any hope for the 2024 season to which confirmed there will be major changes.
“…I think all the points that George and I give have been fully listened to. I have no idea where the car is going to be next year but we are a long, long way away,” Hamilton said.
“The next six months have got to be the greatest six months of development we’ve ever had to close that gap. To be really banging on the door.”
While Hill understands Hamilton’s frustrations, he is of the view the former McLaren could end up even further disappointed if he pressures Mercedes into the wrong development path.
“He’s [Hamilton] a racing driver and wants the best results for him. This business of playing lip service to the team, of course they need the team, but at the end of the day it’s instinct and he’s a racer,” Hill stated.
“Hamilton is perfectly entitled to be frustrated. He’s had to push the team to give up on these zero sidepods.
“ …The competitive instinct in Lewis tells him that he’s got to communicate it to the team. He could be wrong! It could be embarrassing if you drag the team in the wrong direction.”
Hamilton remains in third place in the drivers’ championship, six points clear of former title rival and Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso.
