Remember the intense wheel-to-wheel battles between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in 2021? Their rivalry had the potential to be the greatest in the history of F1. However, with the introduction of 2022 regulations, while Red Bull has maintained its poise and risen to dominance, Mercedes has tumbled and fallen from their supremacy. As a result, Hamilton didn’t win a race after 2021, despite being F1’s most successful driver of all time, having won seven world championships and a record 103 Grand Prix wins. On the other hand, Max Verstappen has won two back-to-back championships and is already on his way to a third title, that too in a dominant fashion. However, with the brand new upgrade package working well at the Spanish Grand Prix, the 7x champion is finally back to his form.

On race day, while pole-sitter Verstappen managed to hold onto his P1 start, Hamilton emerged as his nearest challenger from P5. Although he was 24 seconds behind Red Bull in second position, there were clear signs that his long period of difficulty is nearing an end. On the other half of Mercedes’ day of resurgence, it was third-placed George Russell, who weaved his way from P12 to finish on the podium with his teammate. Given how Mercedes has finally jolted from slumber, and delivered ‘mega’ results, both the drivers looked very pleased, especially Hamilton. And that showed in the post-race press conference. 

During the press conference [featuring the Spanish GP top three], Hamilton pulled a pair of large dark sunglasses, but there was no hiding the beaming smile on his face. Noticing it, Max Verstappen laughed and said: “That looks good” before sarcastically adding, “Maybe we can wear our helmets on next time” However, delighted Lewis Hamilton continued beaming, and responded saying, “It’s one of those meetings we are having. I’ll keep my glasses on because it is so bright”

Read More: “He’s Even Faster…”: Lewis Hamilton’s Supremacy at Mercedes in Grave Danger as George Russell’s Unique Quality Threatens F1 Dominance

However, later in the press conference, Hamilton fired a warning at Max Verstappen. 

“we can challenge them”: Lewis Hamilton after the Silver Arrows got silver in Spain

After a disappointing start to the 2023 season, the Brackley-based team often looked downbeat, especially Lewis Hamilton. He was particularly critical of his team as they stuck with the ‘zero-sidepod’ design concept from the previous year, which made him uncomfortable in the car. However, after the season-opening Bahrain GP, Mercedes realized their error and announced a new upgrade package, completely abandoning the zero side pod. However, after clearly misjudging the 2022 regulations, the new upgrade package came as the light at the end of the tunnel for Mercedes. 

Sunday’s result has moved Mercedes into second in the constructors’ championship and though they are still far behind Red Bull, Hamilton is confident they can take the fight to the Red Bulls. He said, “I think we’re going in the right direction and I know we’ve got something in the pipeline moving forward, so I’m hoping by at least the end of the year we can challenge them. But for me, I’m more focused on having the car next year so we can challenge them from day one and the further we continue to push this car this year the more it impacts next year.”

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Watch this story: Watch: Lewis Hamilton Gets Past Flashbacks Against George Russell at the 2023 Spanish GP

The 2023 F1 season continues with the Canadian Grand Prix on the 18th of June.