McLaren will take care of Lewis Hamilton, that’s the claim of the outfits managing director, Jonathan Neale, after a disappointing few races for the 26-year-old.
Hamilton has failed to finish on the podium since winning the German Grand Prix in July, whilst teammate Jenson Button has won two races and extended his lead in second by 32 points over the 2008 champion.
Neale says the team are fully supportive of Hamilton and are ready to take care of him if needed, rather than pressure him into doing better.
“He desperately wants to win and he’s understandably not happy when either his team-mate beats him, or somebody else is winning the race or the championship. He’s seen this championship slide away to Red Bull. He’s tough on himself and he’s massively disappointed. We’d be disappointed if he didn’t feel that as well,” Neale said in a Vodafone McLaren-Mercedes phone-in on Wednesday.
![Aston Martin managed its first race finish of 2026 with Fernando Alonso [behind] completing the distance](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aston-Martin-Honda-Japanese-GP-120x86.webp)
“Lewis is a phenomenal driver. He’s had 16 race wins. He’s constantly exciting on the circuit, always in the action and we love him for that.
“Certainly I’m concerned to make sure that he feels and understands that we’re 100 per cent behind him, and this team certainly is. The workforce here love everything about Lewis Hamilton.
“We want to take care of him. It’s been a difficult season for him. We didn’t really give him the car to get the job done this year, but what he’s done with it has been fantastic.”
![Aston Martin managed its first race finish of 2026 with Fernando Alonso [behind] completing the distance](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aston-Martin-Honda-Japanese-GP-350x250.webp)
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