Lewis Hamilton: The result speaks of progress

Lewis Hamilton’s second place in the French Grand Prix was the best result of the season for a Mercedes driver. At a press conference after the race, Lewis summed it up and confirmed: words by Toto Wolff about the desire to work with the team for many years to come.

Ask Lewis, you got the best result of the season and climbed the podium for the fourth time in a row. Do you feel like you took advantage of every opportunity this weekend?
Lewis Hamilton: Yes absolutely. I missed the first practice, but Nick de Vries did a great job. The car doesn’t have the speed yet to beat the leaders, but we know we got a great result – George and I climbed onto the podium together. George also did a great job.

This result speaks of progress. There is no need at all for us to close the gap in race pace and add it to qualifying, but we have earned a lot of points.

Besides, it was my 300th Grand Prix. I was informed about this before the start of the stage, but I didn’t really think about it during the weekend. But on Sunday I woke up with a sense of great gratitude for the people I met along the way. Ron Dennis and Mercedes gave me a chance when I was young. Martyr Whitmarsh, Mansour Ojay, Toto, Nicky, Marcus… Who else have I forgotten? Dieter… All these incredible people have been supporting me since I was 13 and I have come a long way by driving a Mercedes powered car in every race.

I am very proud to represent the company with George. We keep attacking. Every weekend we hope to be a little closer to the competition. This weekend we were not as close as we had hoped, but at the finish I lost only ten seconds, which is positive.

Q: You lost ten seconds to Max Verstappen, but in sheer speed you were ahead of the second Red Bull Racing driver…
Lewis Hamilton: Yes, we were both ahead of him. At the beginning of the race it was quite difficult to stay ahead, given their speed on the straights, which makes a strong impression. I tried to keep Sergio behind me in the DRS zone, but most likely controlling rubber wear was key.

I don’t think George and I expected to finish second and third. As you said, this is my best result of the season. This is an important day for me and I want to bring positive energy to Budapest.

Q: Right after the finish you said your drinking water system was not working during the race. How hard was this?
Lewis Hamilton: To be honest I rarely drink during the race because I usually forget. I drank a lot of water before the start and around lap 20 I thought I needed water, but the supply was not working. In fact, I have not used this system in a very long time and I fully admit that it has not worked for a long time. Maybe the water evaporated, who knows? Forget it. Luckily I was able to drink after the finish.

Q: Toto Wolff said he has discussed with you the continuation of the partnership and that you may spend 400 races in your career. Do you plan to stay with Mercedes after your current contract expires?
Lewis Hamilton: You mentioned a very large number of races! First of all I am grateful for the number of races I have already done. I feel refreshed and feel like I still have a lot of energy. I enjoy what I do. I am proud to work with these incredible people every day and love Formula 1 more than ever.

Our sport is run by great people. They know where to go, so I enjoy my job more than ever.

Of course I want to get back on the winning path, but that takes time. I’m sure we’ll get together at some point and talk about the future. Again, I want to build the future together with the team. Racing is one thing, but we do different work together. I believe we can do more with Mercedes, and we will.

Q: Don’t you think Mercedes should refocus their priorities and focus on next season’s car?
Lewis HamiltonA: We are constantly learning something new about the car. During briefings I try to convey to the team my feelings and wishes about the car for next season.

I know what I want from the car, but fundamental things won’t change, because these changes will be too big for the current budget constraints. Of course we take into account all wishes, continue to work with the current car. The team is moving step by step, but in the coming weeks, the coming months, we will be fully focused on the car for next season.