Lewis Hamilton claims he is not “dazzled” by Mercedes’ current position and is “thinking quite long-term” as he prepares to challenge Red Bull in Formula 1 in 2024.
The seven-time world champion was disqualified from Austin because his car failed a post-race plank wear check, but he has finished second to Max Verstappen in the last two rounds in the US and Mexico City.
Following a recent floor upgrade, Hamilton has regained his confidence in the W14 and found a more satisfactory balance, so he is encouraged by Mercedes’ progress.
This weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix sees Mercedes return to the scene of their lone victory from the previous campaign, but Hamilton is still pessimistic about his chances of snapping his nearly two-year winless streak in Brazil.
Hamilton said, “I really don’t know,” in response to a question concerning his chances of winning at the storied Interlagos circuit.
“Although we started the year 1.5 seconds behind, it was looking good at the end as well,” people have been messaging me after the last few races, saying, “Ah, it’s looking good.”
“I’m not dazzled by where we are currently. I’m happy and proud, the only reason I was on the podium is the great work that has gone on in the background.
“I’m more thinking quite long-term at the moment and short-term, just trying to solidify second in the Constructors’ because that’s so important for everyone in the team.
“But I anticipate that Red Bull is going to blitz it, because the car has been great. But if that’s not the case, I’ll be ready to take the fight to them.
It would be amazing if it could be even remotely similar to Austin and we could improve the plan.
“Don’t plan on leaving empty-handed like I did last year.”
Three times, including his incredible comeback from the back of the grid in 2021, Hamilton has triumphed in Brazil. In 2008, he also won his first world championship at Interlagos.
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