Lewis Hamilton Gives Damning Verdict As He Compares Mercedes Performance To Last Year

Lewis Hamilton feels Mercedes are further behind than last year.

Lewis Hamilton was not exactly bursting with excitement during the drivers' press conference ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. 

It is no secret that Mercedes has been struggling with performance during the ground effect era. The Brackley-based squad went into the 2023 season with the hopes to putting last year behind them, however, it seems as though they are in a similar position. 

When asked if he felt closer to the front of the grid this year compared to last, Hamilton bluntly responded: "No."

Going to clarify, the interview asked if he thought the gap to Red Bull was bigger this year. Hamilton replied:

"Yes.

"It's not on the straights. I think last year we were very draggy and we were struggling not only on the straights, we had to take a much bigger wing.

"I think down the straights were quick, but exits, these guys [Red Bull] have a lot of rear end through the majority of the corners.

"So I think in the race they weren't pushing. And so they're a lot quicker than they even seemed.

"But we have it as them as second and a half faster in the race per lap, something like that.

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is the first street circuit of the record-breaking season and the general opinion within the paddock is that it will suit the Ferrari's, despite Charles Leclerc taking a ten-place grid penalty.