Hamilton Bags Season's Best Finish at Barcelona
Lewis Hamilton placed third at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, a significant achievement marking his best result of the season. With this podium finish, Hamilton extended his illustrious career podium count to 198. Despite the myriad of challenges faced this season, Hamilton’s performance in Barcelona was a beacon of hope for the veteran driver.
A Renewed Vigor Before Ferrari Move
Next year, Hamilton is set to move to Ferrari, a transition that has drawn significant attention and speculation in the racing world. Hamilton, however, remains confident and reiterated that he has no regrets about the forthcoming move. “My job next year will be to start with the other team, and they are doing a great job,” he stated, reflecting his positive outlook on the future with Ferrari.
He further emphasized Ferrari’s potential by citing their performance in Monaco. “They have had a difficult couple of races, but let's not forget they had a race win in Monaco.” This statement reinforces the belief that Ferrari has the capability to achieve great results, and Hamilton is motivated to be part of that journey.
Success in Barcelona
Hamilton's success in Barcelona was also a commendation of Mercedes' strategic decisions, which finally favored him. It has been a while since strategy had worked in Hamilton's favor, and this race became a significant turning point. Reflecting on the race, Hamilton said, "This is the best weekend I've had all year, and for a long, long time, for like 15 races or something crazy."
Mercedes showed strong performance as George Russell completed the race in fourth place, further solidifying the team's competitive edge in Barcelona. Toto Wolff, Mercedes' team principal, expressed his joy for Hamilton’s success, stating, “It has been a while that he was on the receiving end, and strategy had worked against him. Today that was in his favor, so I'm happy that we have that podium for him.”
Ferrari’s Mixed Fortunes
Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished in fifth and sixth places respectively. While the race in Barcelona brought them closer to their desired results, the team has recently faced challenges, including a double retirement in Canada. Hamilton acknowledges these difficulties but remains optimistic about his future with Ferrari. His experience and determination are anticipated to be a significant asset for Ferrari in the upcoming seasons.
Looking Forward
Despite the ups and downs, Hamilton maintains a positive outlook towards his career and the upcoming transition. “I don't know what is wrong with their car and why they are in the position they are in. But it doesn't make me second-guess my decision at all,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to his future team.
The successful weekend at Barcelona was not only a personal victory for Hamilton but also a testament to his enduring prowess as a formidable competitor. As he continues to make strides in his career, both Hamilton and his fans can look forward to what he will bring to the Ferrari team next year.