Lewis Hamilton has admitted to moments of self doubt after the 38-year-old Mercedes driver’s second successive Components One season with no win.
Talking to the BBC and others in an interview revealed on Wednesday, the seven-times world champion and most profitable driver within the sport’s historical past with a file 103 wins stated it was regular to ask such questions.
“When you have got troublesome seasons like this, there are all the time going to be moments while you’re like: ‘Is it me, or is it the automobile? Do you continue to have it? Has it gone?’,” stated the Briton, who ended the season third total.
“Since you’re lacking that, you already know… when the magic occurs, when the whole lot comes collectively, the automobile and also you, and that spark, it is extraordinary. And that is what you are within the seek for.
“I am solely human,” he added. “If anybody on the planet tells you they do not have these issues, they’re in denial. We’re all human beings.”
Hamilton final received a race in Saudi Arabia in December 2021 when he was battling Crimson Bull’s Max Verstappen for the title, with the Dutch driver finally prevailing in controversial circumstances in Abu Dhabi.
Verstappen and his group received each titles final yr and have loved probably the most dominant season ever this season, Crimson Bull successful 21 of twenty-two races and the now triple champion a file 19 of them.
Hamilton stated he knew it could be one other robust yr earlier than it had even began when he examined the automobile and it felt no completely different.
The Briton was complaining already on the opening race in Bahrain that Mercedes have been on the improper observe and had not listened to him.
The group, who nonetheless ended the yr second total, have since modified idea for 2024 with group boss Toto Wolff saying in Abu Dhabi final weekend that nearly each part was being modified.
“I do imagine we’ve got a North Star now, which I do not suppose we have had for 2 years. However nonetheless getting there’s not a straight line,” stated Hamilton.
“I feel we perceive the automobile so a lot better. They’ve developed nice instruments within the background. So, naturally, I am hopeful. However I am not going to carry my breath.”
Hamilton signed a brand new contract in August and operating to the tip of 2025, that means he’ll race on into his 40s if he sees it out.