Mercedes has spent most of the season battling Red Bull on their way back, but strong performances in Brazil and Qatar seem to have turned the momentum back in their favor ahead of the last two races.
With just two wins in 14 races, Hamilton has won the last two events in a row and reduced his gap to championship leader Max Verstappen to eight points.
When asked where Mercedes’s pace advantage over Red Bull comes from, the seven-time world champion replied: “I think we just got a better understanding of the car over the course of the year.
“We were definitely able to get more performance out of the package without bringing any upgrades.
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“We haven’t had an upgrade since Silverstone so it’s pretty phenomenal to see the little details … the increments we’ve improved.
“I think it’s very clear that it’s very close between the two cars so I think that sets us up for a great fight.
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“I think we’ve done a better job overall over the past two years. I hope we can carry this form into the next two.”
Hamilton’s best performance of the season coincided with the entry into the championship and increased his ambition for a record-breaking eighth world title.
The 36-year-old Briton, who admits he was suffering from the aftermath of the COVID-19 infection late last year, says he feels fitter than ever as the 2021 season peaks.
“I feel physically in the best shape I’ve been in all year,” said Hamilton.
“I feel great, the car feels better than ever and I’m confident of going into the next races.
“I think they should be pretty good for our car so I’m looking forward to this fight.”
The post Mercedes F1 Tempo to “incremental” growth first appeared on monter-une-startup.
