Hamilton sympathizes with McLaren

Former McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton says it is hard for him to watch his former team struggle at the back end of the grid at the moment.

The partnership between Hamilton and McLaren was immense starting from the former’s karting career. McLaren managed Hamilton’s career from the very beginning and bought him in Formula One in 2007 at a mere age of 22. He drove for the team from 2007-2012, winning his first championship in 2008, which made him the youngest to do so (broken later by Vettel).

After a successful stint with McLaren, Lewis left the team in 2013 and since then the team has seen a steep downfall in performance, not managing a single race victory since then.

It  decided to opt for Honda Power Units this season, which has left them in a disastrous situation, managing only five points so far and consistently struggling at the back.  Last three races have been particularly bad for them, especially since they were fast circuit races. They lack pace, horsepower and their situation looks dreadful at the moment. Time is running out for McLaren and Honda to perform because such a poor form is also hurting the McLaren brand name and its ability to attract sponsors.

Commenting on the difficult situation of the team, Hamilton said it is tough to witness.

“We all know it’s been difficult for them this year and it’s definitely hard for me to see that,” he said.

“It’s such a great team, such a huge team, that’s had such great success, and it’s a team that I was a part of for many years.

“It feels very abnormal to see them in the position they’re in right now.”

However Hamilton is positive over his former team’s return to form and believes that the second most successful team in the history of the sport, McLaren, has what it takes to turn the tables around.

“You’ve got the great Ron Dennis there, a lot of great engineers, and a team spirit which eventually I believe will pull through,” he said.

“It’s a dark place for them right now but hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel.”