Hamilton, who will join Ferrari in 2025 after spending 12 years with Mercedes, returned to the podium for the first time this season with a third-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday.
His improved performance included overtaking the Ferrari duo, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, who finished fifth and sixth respectively. The British driver overtook Sainz twice, the Spanish driver he is set to replace at Ferrari.
However, with Mercedes seemingly on the rise while Ferrari shows signs of decline, one may wonder if Hamilton regrets his decision to switch teams. Hamilton quickly dismissed that idea, stating that he has absolutely no doubts.
“First and foremost, I have a deep affection for Mercedes. My focus this year is to give my best alongside my team and the people at the factory to move in the right direction,” explained Hamilton.
“My responsibilities with the new team will begin next year, and I believe they are doing an exceptional job. I can’t pinpoint the issues with their car and why they find themselves in the current position. However, that doesn’t make me question my decision in any way,” he clarified.
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen emerged victorious in the race, with Lando Norris finishing second and Hamilton right behind. This is the seven-time Formula 1 champion’s best result since finishing third at the Mexican GP in October last year.
Hamilton’s streak of 18 consecutive seasons with a podium was extended in Barcelona. Additionally, he outperformed his teammate George Russell, who finished fourth, only for the third time this season.
Hamilton secured his 103rd victory in 2021 in Saudi Arabia. Since then, he has been unable to win again, and Verstappen has taken over as the dominant force in F1.
Hamilton expressed his desire to achieve the best possible result in his last races with Mercedes before transitioning to Ferrari, where he will embark on a new chapter in his brilliant career.
“It would be wonderful to win again with Mercedes,” he said. “Considering the progress we have made, our goal is to maintain consistency and seek to elevate the team’s position in the standings. That should be our target.” (Reported by Joseph Wilson)
