Juan Pablo Montoya predicts a unique model of Lewis Hamilton will emerge in 2023 if Mercedes manages to enhance its automobile, the W14. Hamilton went via an unprecedented winless season in 2022 as a result of struggling tempo of the Mercedes W13 and points with porpoising.
In keeping with Montoya, Hamilton’s protected method to driving prevented him from pushing too onerous throughout final season, however he predicts Hamilton will return to his profitable kind in 2023 if the automobile performs effectively.
Talking to Motorsports.com, the Colombian addressed Hamilton’s potential with a fast automobile. On being requested if Hamilton might win in 2023, he stated:
“Sure, as a result of final 12 months it was additionally largely all the way down to the issues Mercedes had with the automobile. And Lewis is a driver who if there is a chance to shine, he’ll seize it with each fingers.
“However when he lies fifth and is aware of there isn’t a extra in it than that, you received’t see him driving like his life is determined by it. Then he’ll simply do what it takes to safe that fifth spot.”
When requested if he thinks Lewis Hamilton will beat Russell this season, Montoya responded that the previous 12 months was largely as a result of Mercedes’ automobile points, and Hamilton will seize alternatives to shine.
Montoya additionally acknowledged that Hamilton will drive conservatively when the automobile can’t carry out higher, whereas Russell will drive flat out each race.
“However on the opposite facet of the storage, with George, you’ve gotten a younger driver who goes flat out each race and desires to show himself each time. Nevertheless, I anticipate that if Mercedes has a profitable automobile once more, we’re going to see a unique Lewis.”
Regardless of incomes 9 podium finishes, Lewis Hamilton used the primary half of the season to check experimental setups whereas his teammate, George Russell, recorded consecutive top-five finishes. Over the course of the season, Russell outperformed Hamilton and achieved his first pole place and victory in System 1.
Lewis Hamilton hoping to return to the highest in 2023
Lewis Hamilton’s prospects in 2023 largely rely upon the efficiency of the W14, which is about to be launched on February fifteenth forward of pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Hamilton not too long ago performed a tire check for Pirelli with Russell at Paul Ricard and can do the identical once more at Jerez this week. Hamilton’s aim this season is to return to the highest of the rostrum after his winless 12 months, and if the automobile performs effectively, few would doubt his skill to compete for the championship.
Montoya predicts a unique, extra aggressive Hamilton to emerge in 2023 if Mercedes manages to enhance the efficiency of its automobile.
Lewis Hamilton’s possibilities of defeating Max Verstappen this season will rely upon the efficiency of the W14, and given his kind within the second half of 2022 and the potential progress revamped the winter, Hamilton is predicted to problem for the championship if he has a aggressive automobile.
