KUALA LUMPUR — Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said Wednesday he doesn’t consider it a “dry spell” or “the end of the world” if he doesn’t win a race this season.
The Briton has battled in his Mercedes all year and is a long way from being in contention for another world title ahead of Sunday night’s race in Singapore, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen set to retain his crown.
It’s a far cry from last season when the two battled it out for the title in the final race and Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are yet to take the checkered flag this season.
“I don’t see it as a dry spell. I feel like this year has been a year of growth. It’s been a good experience for everyone,” Hamilton told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.
“There are six races (left) so there are six possibilities and we will try to win but if we don’t do well it’s not the end of the world I think.
“We will get back to the top.”
The 37-year-old called it ‘one of the toughest seasons’ of his career after struggling with a car that suffered from porpoises – jumping at high speeds – and proved underpowered against the Dominant Red Bulls.
“We just have to understand the car,” Hamilton added.
Despite this, Mercedes, along with teammate and compatriot George Russell, is battling with Ferrari for second place in the constructors’ championship.
“Our target is second place. Hopefully we will do well in the next six races,” he said.
Earlier, Mercedes signed a deal to extend its title sponsorship of Malaysian oil giant Petronas with a multi-year deal until at least 2029.
- Editor/ additional report by AFP
