— Mexico City Lewis Hamilton deems it premature to allude to a ‘Max Verstappen era’ in the wake of the Dutchman’s second consecutive drivers’ world championship with Red Bull.
Mercedes’ seven-time world champion, who was controversially defeated by Verstappen on the penultimate lap of last year’s final race in Abu Dhabi, claimed it was still feasible for Ferrari to surpass Red Bull and alter the narrative.
And Charles Leclerc concurred, stating that he is aiming to prevent a Verstappen and Red Bull era of supremacy.
“It’s too early to tell,” added Hamilton, who is winless for the first time since his Formula One debut in 2007.
“If they continue to dominate next season, then absolutely, but the Ferraris have been faster than them throughout qualifying…
“I believe they have performed better for the majority of the season. Now, all they need to do is increase their race speed, and they will catch up to them.
“I believe we have a much, much larger step to take and a harder hill to climb, but hopefully it will not be impossible.”
Verstappen enters this weekend’s Mexico Grand Prix tied with seven-time champion Michael Schumacher and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel for the most wins in a single season with 13.
Leclerc praised his consistency and dominance, but he is confident that Ferrari’s efforts to improve their car and performance will pay off next season.
“I wish not, “When confronted with the potential of a Verstappen era, the Monegasque remarked, “wow.” “I’ll do everything I can to prevent that, and we’re also working on it as a group.
“I believe it is crystal evident where we need to improve. Over the course of one lap, we are incredibly powerful, and I believe we are on par with Red Bull, but over the duration of a race, we struggle with tires.
“Reflecting on the season, there has not only been tyre degradation, but also errors in strategy, communication, and tyre management.
“We are attempting to make the most of these final races in order to push Max and Red Bull for the championship next season.”
“I am certain that we can do this because I am aware of how diligently we are working and I am certain that we are moving in the right path.”
AFP