MONTMELÓ, Spain (AP) — Lewis Hamilton isn’t regretting his transfer to Ferrari subsequent 12 months regardless of Mercedes having gotten the sting on its Italian rivals.
Hamilton, who’s becoming a member of Ferrari in 2025 after 12 years with Mercedes, returned to the rostrum for the primary time this season with a third-place end on the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday.
His improved efficiency included beating out Ferrari pair Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, who completed fifth and sixth respectively. The British driver twice overtook Sainz, the Spaniard he’s set to switch at Ferrari.
However would Mercedes apparently being on the up whereas Ferrari is displaying indicators of slipping make Hamilton rue the choice to modify groups?
No, he stated, not for a second.
“Firstly, I really like Mercedes. And my job this 12 months is to work as exhausting as I can with the crew that I’ve and the folks again (at) the manufacturing facility to attempt to transfer in the best path,” Hamilton stated.
“My job will begin subsequent 12 months with the opposite group, who I believe are doing an excellent job. I can’t inform you what’s unsuitable with that automobile and why they’re the place they’re in at the moment. (…) Nevertheless it doesn’t make me second-guess my determination in any respect.”
Pink Bull driver Max Verstappen received the race forward of Lando Norris with Hamilton proper behind. That was the seven-time System One champion’s finest outcome since ending third on the Mexican GP in October final 12 months.
Hamilton added to his report with 18 consecutive seasons with a podium end.
In Barcelona, Hamilton additionally outscored teammate George Russell, who was fourth, for simply the third time this season.
Hamilton’s record-extending 103rd win got here at Saudi Arabia in 2021. He has not received a race since and Verstappen has dethroned him because the dominant driver in F1.
Hamilton stated that his objective is have the very best remaining end with Mercedes earlier than becoming a member of Ferrari, the place the 39-year-old will begin a brand new part of his excellent profession.
“It could be good (to win once more with Mercedes),” he stated. “I believe, contemplating the place we’ve come from, simply having consistency and seeing if we are able to put the group additional up within the factors, I believe that’s received to be the goal.”
___
AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports