Lewis Hamilton believes Mercedes will make a step forward when upgrades are introduced at the Miami Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion had a mixed weekend at the Chinese Grand Prix where he finished second behind Max Verstappen in the sprint race before going on to finish a disappointing 18th in qualifying.
The 39-year-old however made slight progress during Sunday’s race, making up nine places to finish ninth.
Hamilton was appreciative of the points scored in Shanghai having not expected much from the car but will now set his sights on Miami in a fortnight when the first upgrades of the season will be introduced.
P18➡️P9
Up nine places in the Chinese GP and securing some valuable points 💪 pic.twitter.com/EyAXjSfPul
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) April 21, 2024
“I’m grateful to just get into the points. I didn’t honestly expect a lot more this weekend,” he said.
“Hopefully we have a step forward coming at the next race. Until then, we will be back at the factory next week and try and position the car better for Miami and hopefully have a better weekend.”
Hamilton leaves China ninth in the drivers’ championship with 19 points, a mammoth 91 points behind Verstappen.
