Hamilton claims W14 F1 car is the ‘hardest car I’ve driven’

Lewis Hamilton has conceded that the current Mercedes Formula 1 challenger is the most difficult car he’s driven regarding perfecting its set up.

Since the start of last season when new technical regulations came into play, Mercedes has been on the back foot compared to the front-running competition.

It hoped to make strides forward this year but has been able to challenge Red Bull on a consistent basis at the front of the field.

In Singapore, Hamilton qualified in fifth place while teammate George Russell placed his car on the front row alongside Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.

Speaking to media including RacingNews365 after qualifying, Hamilton conceded: “It’s the hardest car I’ve ever driven to get right.”

Hamilton vows to dig deep

Hamilton has not won a race in Formula 1 since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The seven-time World Champion recently committed his future to Mercedes, extending his contract by two seasons.

As he aims to return to winning ways with the Brackley-based squad, Hamilton has vowed to enjoy the journey rather than simply focus on the end goal.

“At this point of the season, in terms of how deep you're digging, I think you're always digging as far as you can, without depleting yourself naturally,” he said.

“From one end, the team is giving absolutely everything, time away from their families, time that these guys are working seven days a week, these guys are flat out.

“I'm trying to make sure that I’m matching their excellence but also just being mindful of in the past, it was more about the destination rather than the journey.

“I’m trying to enjoy the journey as we go, the struggles that we're having, the ups and downs that we have and just the day-to-day parts of life and being the racing driver.

“Each weekend, we still try to take risks and try to get that car to do something that it doesn't want to.

“That's something I enjoy doing. If and when the car is willing to go further, I’m willing to go further.”