Lewis Hamilton’s Scathing Prediction on Max Verstappen’s Dominance May Send Shockwaves Through Mercedes Corridors

Despite getting ‘Silver in Spain’, Lewis Hamilton sent a ‘danger’ warning to the Silver Arrows. After a disappointing start to the 2023 season, Mercedes has finally jolted from slumber to challenge their long-time rivals, Red Bull. Thanks to their brand-new upgrades! After clearly misjudging the 2022 regulations, Mercedes’ much-anticipated upgrades not only worked, but they did wonders in the Spanish Grand Prix. After Brazil 2022, Mercedes got their first double-podium finish, offering hope for revival. However, despite showing teeth in Spain, Hamilton sends a warning to Mercedes about Red Bull’s dominance.

On race day, Hamilton emerged as Verstappen’s nearest challenger from P5, while Russell put on a scintillating performance as he weaved his way to a third-place finish from a lowly 12th on the grid. No doubt, this was their best finish of the season by a country mile and their first double podium of 2023. However, in a race with 107 overtakes, Verstappen was untouched, with Mercedes 24 seconds behind. Therefore, although the new upgrade package came as the light at the end of the tunnel, they’re no ‘silver bullet’. Mercedes is still so far behind and ultimately Max will continue to win this year. This means Red Bull has a big advantage, and it could prove to be dangerous for the Brackley-based team. 

Explaining how Red Bull’s dominance is a ‘danger’, Hamilton said, as quoted by F1Maximaal, “They[Red Bull] are so far ahead and ultimately Max will continue to win this year, but that means they can start their development for next year before anyone else if they haven’t already. That’s the danger. So we just have to keep working hard, but also try to find the right balance.” [Translated via Google]

Read more: After a Stellar Double Podium, Lewis Hamilton Unveils the Major Influence of the Mercedes W14 Pace: “Helped Us Get on the Right Track”

However, now that Mercedes’ double-podium finish offers hopes of its revival, will the 7x champ extend his contract beyond 2023?

Hamilton in conversation with Wolff on Monday

The big question for next year is not only whether Mercedes can challenge Red Bull, but whether Mercedes can retain Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton’s present deal with Mercedes expires at the end of the year, and the extension remains unsigned. Will Hamilton put pen to paper to extend his contract with Mercedes beyond 2023? Although it is not definitive, this week, the Brit will hold talks with Toto Wolff about his contract extension. 

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. Although Mercedes realized their error later and announced ditching the ‘zero-sidepod’ design, Hamilton seemed unsure.

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However, after Mercedes’ resurgence in the Spanish Grand Prix, Hamilton said: “Well, I haven’t signed anything yet, but I have a meeting with Toto (Wolff, ed.) on Monday, so hopefully we can get something done. We’ve had so many meetings. It’s just another one of the meetings we have.”

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

Although the chance of a contract being signed on Monday is not very high, it’s definitely a possibility.