Ralf Schumacher sees optimism returning to Lewis Hamilton. The former driver of Williams, among others, saw a relieved Hamilton at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and Schumacher thinks that the seven-time world champion believes that an eighth world title is once again possible. Mercedes will have to take a big step for that.
After a difficult Friday in Barcelona, ​​a much stronger Saturday followed for Hamilton. The Briton, who was still very pessimistic about his chances during the Spanish Grand Prix the day before, turned out to be very competitive during qualifying. The Mercedes driver even wanted to go for victory on Sunday, but that turned out to be a bit too ambitious. However, second place and a strong race pace were a huge boost for Hamilton.
Schumacher saw confidence grow in Hamilton and the German believes that the seven-time world champion is cautiously starting to think about an eighth world title again. “He seems very relieved,” says Schumacher in his column for Sky Deutschland. He sees light on the horizon again. He thinks he will soon be able to win another race and maybe one day he will have the chance to take his eighth world title. I felt that the optimism had disappeared for a while, but now it’s back.’
“Mercedes has passed Aston Martin”
Second place in Spain shows that Mercedes’ updates seem to be working. However, the difference with Red Bull is still considerable, but Schumacher thinks Mercedes can quickly fight for victory again. “With the working method as we know from Mercedes, they will soon be fighting for victories again. However, it is also partly true that Max Verstappen is sometimes in a class of his own.’
Verstappen and Red Bull are therefore still a size too big for Mercedes, but Schumacher thinks that the German team has passed Aston Martin. “I would say Mercedes has overtaken Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin for now. The team is not that experienced. You could see it well in Barcelona. The car was okay, but not good enough. There are still some weaknesses and they came to light in Barcelona.’
