Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula One world champion, said on Wednesday that if he doesn’t win a race this year, it won’t be the “end of the world” or “a dry period.”
The British driver has had trouble with his Mercedes all season, and with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen only a few races away from reclaiming his world championship, the Briton is clearly out of the running.
Hamilton and Mercedes have yet to win a race this season, a vast cry from last year when they battled it out for the championship in the last race.
“I don’t consider it to be a dry period. This year, in my opinion, has been one of progress. For everyone, it’s been a positive experience, Hamilton told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.
“There are six races remaining, giving us six chances to win. However, even if we don’t do well, I don’t believe the world will end.
We’ll return to the top, I promise.
The 37-year-old described this as “one of the worst seasons” of his career after struggling with a vehicle that was porpoising, or bouncing rapidly, and losing to the powerful Red Bulls.
Hamilton said, “We simply need to understand the vehicle.
Despite all of this, Mercedes is now competing with Ferrari for second place in the constructors’ title alongside colleague and fellow Brit George Russell.
“A second place finish is our target. We should do well in the next six races, he expressed hope.
Earlier, Mercedes and Malaysia’s Petronas struck a multi-year arrangement extending their title sponsorship until at least 2029.