Lewis Hamilton insists he will continue to “gee everybody up” at Mercedes in order to lift spirits that it can mount a fightback in Formula 1 next year.
Mercedes was expected to remain at the sharp end in 2022 despite the major regulation changes, but the German manufacturer was left playing catch up to Red Bull and Ferrari after having to overcome several hurdles with its W13.
After making significant progress in refraining the cars troubles, Mercedes still found itself lagging behind the frontrunners, even when it has looked more competitive at slow-speed circuits.
There is renewed motivation in the team to hit back in 2023, something Hamilton believes he can play a part in as its preparations for next year begin.
“For sure I’ve got to try and continue to gee everybody up, make sure we leave no stone unturned so that next year, we arrive, and we can fight for positions that we deserve to be fighting for,” Hamilton said, as quoted by Motorsport.com.
“I think what we always have to remember is this is a team, there are people at this team that have been here over 20 years and delivered eight titles since I’ve been here, and more before.
“They know how to build a world championship fighting car. For me, it’s just trying to support them in the best way I can.”
While Mercedes is guaranteed a top-three finish in the constructors’ championship, it is on course for its lowest placing since 2012 as it lags 67 points behind Ferrari.
Despite the wrath of issues it has faced this year, Hamilton has faith Mercedes will develop a car capable of returning it to title contention.
“I think for us we know what the problems are with this car,” he explained. “I believe that we as a team, we’ve not gone from being world champions to not being able to build a good car.
“I have no doubt that we’ll have a better car next year. Whether or not we’ve rectified every issue that we have this year, we’ll find out when we get there.”
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