In the round-up: Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes’ upgrades package from the US Grand Prix gives him confidence for next season
In brief
Mercedes’ Austin upgrades give Hamilton hope for stronger 2024
Lewis Hamilton says that the performance boost Mercedes brought to their car with their upgrades package at the United States Grand Prix gives him better confidence heading into 2024.
Asked what he would look back on most positively about the 2023 season, Hamilton replied; “I think getting pole position in Budapest, we didn’t think that was going to be possible when I first drove the car this year.”
“The upgrade that we saw in Austin and the fact that, given a couple more laps, we may have been in shooting range for a win. Just seeing that we are, we’re slowly morphing this car into a more competitive machine.
“It’s got more and more enjoyable to drive and to be in a position where you’re actually going forwards rather than backwards, has been positive. But it still fundamentally is not a winning car and that’s what we’ve got to change next year.”
Pirelli announce first compounds for 2024
Pirelli have announced the tyre compounds nominated for the opening rounds of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Like last year, the season will begin with the Bahrain, Saudi Arabian and Australian grands prix, with the opening two rounds retaining the same three tyre compounds used at the beginning of this season. The hardest tyre combination of C1, C2 and C3 will be raced in Bahrain, with the C2, C3 and C4 used at Jeddah.
However, the Australian Grand Prix will see the softest combination of tyres raced at Albert Park, with all three compounds a step softer than in 2023, with the C3, C4 and C5 in use.
Bearman hopeful for more Haas seat time
Ferrari junior driver Oliver Bearman says he is hopeful of getting more time behind the wheel of Haas’ F1 cars in future after running two Friday practice sessions with them and a post-season test day in Abu Dhabi.
“F1 was an amazing experience,” Bearman said. “It’s really nice to get some recognition after a decent F2 season and start my first mileage in F1.
“I think the team are really happy with the work that we did, especially in the post-season test, that went really well and we covered a lot of important mileage for the team. I’ve loved it so far and hopefully it brings me on to new experiences there as well because it’s been really enjoyable.”
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