Mercedes’ efficiency has been up and down because the introduction of recent ground-effect rules in F1 two years in the past, and the 2024 season has exemplified this problem up to now.
Hamilton branded his W15 “a tremendous automobile” after the primary two grands prix in 2024, earlier than admitting to being “the least assured ever” on this machine following observe on the Australian Grand Prix. He then had his “greatest” feeling of the 12 months on Friday in Japan and achieved second place within the Chinese language dash, however was subsequently knocked out in Q1 on the similar circuit.
Regardless of glimpses of velocity, the seven-time world champion is but to complete a Sunday F1 race within the prime six this season. Wolff is nonetheless satisfied his driver will stay diligent for the rest of the marketing campaign, not least in his working relationship with team-mate George Russell.
“I feel that Lewis is a professional and has behaved in that manner till now, making an attempt to maintain his morale up and the morale of the workforce even when the outcomes don’t come”, the Austrian stated.
“I’ve little question that that is going to final. He has additionally been supportive with George.”
Photograph by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Hamilton himself acknowledged on Thursday on the Japanese Grand Prix that he was eager to stay targeted on his present season with Mercedes, fairly than his upcoming transfer to Ferrari.
“Proper now, I need to end on a excessive right here,” the Briton stated. “So all my power goes into this. In fact, there’s pleasure for the longer term. However proper now, we’re going via a troublesome place. That is my problem.
“That is the place all my power goes, to try to work out how we will get ourselves again to the highest. How can I work with the fellows? How can I give higher debriefs, give them higher course to get again preventing on the entrance?
“I am a competitor at first, so I need to win. Simply eager about the subsequent 12 months is not going to assist me try this.”