Hamilton being ‘rewarded’ for Mercedes pain

Lewis Hamilton is being “rewarded” for his time spent experimenting with Mercedes' set-ups across the last two seasons, according to ex-IndyCar driver and F1 pundit James Hinchcliffe.

Mercedes struggled for performance when new technical regulations came into play in 2022 and has only recently improved itself back into a consistent front-running position.

Hamilton is the only driver bar Max Verstappen to win multiple grands prix in the opening 14 races of the season.

The seven-time world champion was known to undertake radical set-up changes over the last handful of years in a bid to offer Mercedes a deeper understanding of the car - Hinchcliffe believes he is now reaping the benefits.

“After two winless seasons (incredibly, the first in his F1 career), Hamilton has secured two victories in the first half of the year, second only to Verstappen in terms of number of wins,” Hinchliffe told F1.com. 

“And while teammate George Russell leads him in the qualifying head-to-head eight to six, his average starting place is actually a few spots higher.

“As the team starts to get a grasp on the tricky W15, Hamilton has been rewarded for his years of trying unorthodox setups and guiding the team’s development direction finally has a machine that allows him to remind the world why he’s one of the best to have ever driven in Formula 1.”

Hamilton praised for motivation level

The ongoing campaign is Hamilton's final with Mercedes before he departs for Ferrari, where he will partner Charles Leclerc on a multi-year deal.

Hinchcliffe commended Hamilton for retaining his motivation to perform despite having the prospect of his seismic move to the Italian squad facing him.

“The seven-time champion came into this season in unusual circumstances, having already announced his departure to Ferrari at the end of this year,” he added.

“It would almost be understandable if his motivation had waned slightly and he was counting the days until his tenure with Mercedes ended. Almost. 

“But that isn’t the way Hamilton operates and not they way he wants to wrap up the most successful team/driver pairing in the history of Formula 1.”