Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he’s sensed a complete “shift” in his general demeanour since ending his elongated Formula 1 win drought at the British Grand Prix.
Hamilton was victorious for a record-breaking ninth time at Silverstone at the most recent event to bring an end to his extended 945-day wait to triumph in an F1 race.
The Briton, who will leave Mercedes to move to Ferrari, conceded post-race that the elusive wait had made him contemplate whether his 104th win would materialise.
But Hamilton’s expressed that his long-awaited return to the top has re-energised him as he bids to maintain that momentum at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
Asked whether he felt a difference in the week succeeding that landmark win, Hamilton responded: “I think we’ll see over the course of the rest of the year.
“I definitely would say my body language and energy has definitely felt a shift in the past week.
“I’m still unsure of what’s up ahead, and I’m just trying to prepare the best I can for it. I guess it just ultimately shows that anything is possible.
“You just need to keep pushing, keep going. There’s going to be turbulence up ahead, I’m sure, but also the possibility of good days.”
Hamilton has admitted he was unsure he would be able to end his Mercedes stint on a high, but back-to-back wins have helped to revitalise the spirits within the side.
“It started here and I just wanted to sign off on a high. We weren’t sure whether or not, result-wise, we were going to get there,” he recalled.
“We didn’t know that by this point in the season we would be fighting for wins. We are so grateful that we are. Huge, huge boost.
“I don’t think the spirits that we define, the spirits that we have never left this team. But when you’re trying and trying and trying and failing, trying and failing, it’s hard for everyone.
“I would say it’s probably rejuvenated everyone in the team, both here and back at the factory, what is possible and that the hard work is really starting to pay off.
“We’re seeing a huge surge of energy, and it’s filtered through us, so I hope that continues to show in our results.”
Mercedes has continued to be competitive at the Hungaroring even during its barren period, securing pole position in both visits using the current ground effect cars.
Hamilton, who seized pole 12 months ago and is chasing a ninth win at the venue, suspects that Red Bull retains a narrow margin over Mercedes in equal conditions.
“We have a much better race car now compared to last year, so I don’t know where exactly we’ll be competitive on this weekend,” he highlighted.
“We’ll be stronger than we were last year, but I think it’s still going to be close between us and our opponent.
“Red Bull still have the slight edge on us, but we’ll find out I guess tomorrow. And then, yeah, we have a much better race pace than we have had in the past.”
However, the seven-time champion has disregarded the notion that a return to a slow-speed circuit configuration will provide a true test of where Mercedes stacks up.
“I don’t feel like this particular one is the ultimate test,” Hamilton said. “I think every weekend has been the ultimate test of sheer willpower within our team.
“We definitely don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. I think that’s key in our approach.
“But also, it’s game on, we’re fighting, we’re chasing, and we’re going to try and win as many races as George mentioned or compete for as many wins as possible.
“It may turn out this weekend that the Red Bull is ahead still, or the McLaren is still this weekend, who knows?
“But I think what we’ve shown over the past few races is that with determination, with real focus, and just persistently chasing for perfection and improvement, you can make a difference.
“We are united as a team, and we’re going to try and make sure we finish the season on a high.
“And if we can lift the team up the ladder of Constructors, if we can progress, we’re not too far off the drivers up ahead of us, then that would be great.”
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