Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes got outsmarted by Max Verstappen and Red Bull at the French Grand Prix. In the latest installment of their championship battle, Verstappen got one over Hamilton and exacted revenge for his defeat in Barcelona. But Lewis stated that the defeat at Paul Ricard was not gut-wrenching.

Hamilton was struggling throughout the weekend but put his Mercedes on the front row in qualifying. At the start of the race, Max gifted Hamilton the lead when he ran wide in Turn 2. However, the Dutchman wrested the lead back soon enough after undercutting the 7-time world champion after the first round of pit stops.

When the Red Bull team called Max into the pits and put him on a risky two-stopper, Hamilton led the race once again. Verstappen had to cover 18 seconds in 19 laps. Lewis drove brilliantly on his hard tires but could not hold off the charging Red Bull.

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It’s not gut-wrenching at all: Lewis Hamilton

In the post-race press conference, when he was asked about the disappointment he felt after losing such a close race, Hamilton was complimentary of his team. He also recognized that Red Bull was faster on the straights and could not defend Max’s pace.

“It’s not gut-wrenching at all. I think we did a great job today,” said the Mercedes driver.

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Hamilton continued,” It just didn’t work out but I don’t particularly feel… I’m not massively disappointed. I think I did the best job I could today and, of course, there were things we could have done slightly better but overall they’ve been quicker than us all weekend so it’s a true reflection of the pace they have. And so… yeah.”

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Can Hamilton bounce back in Austria?

Next up is the Styrian Grand Prix. The good thing for Lewis Hamilton is that it happens right after the French Grand Prix. This would give the 7-time world champion the perfect opportunity to bounce back from his recent form.

Hamilton needs to put in a performance in Austria as he now trails Verstappen by 12 points in the championship. He cannot afford any more slip-ups and fall behind further. The Mercedes won the last Syrian Grand Prix and will hope to repeat the feat again come Sunday.

What do you think? Will Hamilton win in Austria? Comment below to let us know.