The Mexican won the Saudi Grand Prix and the Dutchman took 2nd place following starting from 15th on the grid. It is “the most dominant car” the seven-time world champion has seen in his career.
“I’ve never seen such a fast car,” said the British Mercedes driver, who finished fifth in Jeddah. “Mercedes was also fast in its good years, but not as fast as this Red Bull. The difference with other cars is very big,” said the 38-year-old, who won six world championships with Mercedes between 2014 and 2020. .
Hamilton experienced that firsthand at the Jeddah circuit, where Verstappen started from 15th and had already moved up to second halfway through the race. He also easily passed Hamilton. “He went very strong. I didn’t even bother to hold him back, the difference in speed was huge,” admitted the winner of 103 Grands Prix.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff admitted his team had made big mistakes over the winter in designing the car for the 2023 season. He said following the race on Sunday that the team was working now hard at work building a better version that might compete with the Red Bull.
As far as Hamilton is concerned, this best car will never come soon enough. “I don’t feel any connection with this car. I’m preparing as best I can and I’m giving everything, but I don’t feel what’s underneath me. It’s terrible”.
