Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton believes Mercedes can challenge Aston Martin in this season’s championship.
The Silverstone outfit – which runs on a Mercedes engine – has emerged as the second-fastest car with two-time champion Fernando Alonso finishing on the podium in the three races so far in Bahrain, Saudia Arabia and Australia.
Mercedes have been behind Aston Martin pace-wise this season but Hamilton managed to finish ahead of Alonso in second place in Sunday’s race in Melbourne, stating he enjoyed racing with his former McLaren teammate.
“If we stick together we can fight Ferrari and [Aston Martin]. The battle is really with Fernando [Alonso], right now.,” Hamilton said.
“I enjoyed racing him, it was very reminiscent of my first race here in 2007.”
Making the long trip home with trophy in hand. ???? This one is for you, Team. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LMcZ7fyMxS
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) April 2, 2023
It was another race where reigning world champion Max Verstappen dominated from start to finish to win his second race of the season and moved 15 points clear of his teammate Sergio Perez in the drivers’ championship.
Hamilton stated that Mercedes have a lot of catching up to do in closing the gap to Red Bull, describing their straight-line speed as “insane”.
“We’ve got work to do to catch the Red Bull – it came flying past and disappeared,” Hamilton told Sky.
“Max is in another league, his car is so fast. He passed me halfway down the straight and he was like 10 metres ahead. I don’t know how they are so quick on the straight – it’s insane.
“They are just in another league. Until we pick up speed on the straight like they have, and have the crazy downforce they have through the corners, that’s how it’s going to continue.”
Hamilton sits in fourth place in the drivers’ championship, 31 points behind Verstappen and seven behind Alonso who occupies third place.
