Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton has declared that Mercedes are closer to the front at the Canadian Grand Prix, with the seven-time World Champion in “fighting spirit” after a “great” Friday in Montreal.
With eight races completed, Mercedes are still awaiting a first podium finish of the F1 2024 season having fallen behind McLaren and Ferrari in the race to catch Red Bull.
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Yet the Silver Arrows showed flashes of promise in changeable conditions on Friday at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, with Hamilton classified fourth and seventh in FP1 and FP2 respectively, having been prevented from finishing his fastest lap in the afternoon session.
After a successful practice day, Hamilton appeared optimistic about his performance in Montreal and expressed confidence in achieving a favorable outcome. Earlier this year, he had announced his decision to join Ferrari on a multi-year deal in F1 2025.
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He said: “I felt great.
“I was incredibly eager and enthusiastic, ready to go at every single moment. I repeatedly urged the guys, saying: ‘Hurry up and leave, hurry up and leave.'”
“I hurried my team, repeatedly urging them to move quickly in order to make the most of our time on the track, regardless of the weather conditions.”
“This track focuses on its fundamental elements, emphasizing the importance of spending ample time on it. The goal is to thoroughly grasp the varying conditions and modifications made to the surface and runoff areas.”
“The session was truly exceptional, making it a fantastic day. With the car performing exceptionally well, I thoroughly savored every moment of the session.”
“I was unable to complete my [fastest] lap.”
When asked about his intentions of challenging the cars ahead of Mercedes, he responded by saying, “To be honest, it’s too soon to determine.”
“I sense a surge of determination within me, as if the car is responding precisely to my commands, and I am filled with a strong sense of self-assurance on the track.”
“We will only find out once we step outside tomorrow. Saturdays tend to be unpredictable for us, but I have high hopes for tomorrow being a great day.”
However, I believe that in both situations, I felt incredibly empowered today, so my optimism is high.
This weekend, I do sense that we are nearer to the front.
In 2007, Hamilton achieved his initial career triumph in Montreal while racing for McLaren. This remarkable achievement occurred in only his sixth race, marking the beginning of his victorious streak of seven wins at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve as a distinguished British driver.
At 39 years old, the individual passionately praised the venue and compared the unpredictable weather to a typical summer day back in his home country. Just before Friday’s activities began, Montreal experienced a sudden hailstorm.
Hamilton exclaimed, “This circuit is absolutely incredible! It is undeniably one of the finest circuits out there.”
“Today is unquestionably peculiar, resembling a summery day in the UK or some other unexpected occurrence.”
This morning, it felt like summer until the unexpected rain showered down with large hailstones. I can’t recall the last time I witnessed such massive hailstones.
The weather fluctuates between sunny, scorching, and humid, and then back to raining.
If we had only begun the day a little earlier, we could have secured the two prime spots of the day.
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