Skip to content

Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes 'best team' in 2017 F1 title fight

Vettel tells Sky F1 complaints about Ferrari's car should be regarded as a "compliment"; Just one point between Hamilton and Vettel ahead of this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix

Image: Lewis Hamilton is one point behind title rival Sebastian Vettel.

Lewis Hamilton believes Mercedes are demonstrating they are "the best team" in F1 after seemingly gaining the upper hand in their title battle with Ferrari.

After Ferrari started the 2017 season by winning two of the first three races, the balance of power has shifted dramatically in the Silver Arrows' favour in recent weeks.

Hamilton dominated last Sunday's British Grand Prix to secure Mercedes' third victory in the last four events with the reigning world champions now 55 points clear in the Constructors' Championship ahead of this week's Hungarian Grand Prix.

"I think we're still showing that we are the best team," said Hamilton. "It's been great work by the team collectively - and we've not even brought many updates to the car. The last race we didn't bring an update, so we've just been able to exploit it more and learn about the car.

"It still remains quite close. We've mostly had the upper hand in qualifying. If you look at the qualifying stats we've had that gap and then the race gets a little bit closer and it's been a bit more scattered through the 10 races. But we've definitely managed to understand the car better, understand the tyres better and really start to utilise the car in its happy envelope."

Sunday's race in Budapest has already been dubbed a 'must-win' event for Ferrari as the Hungaroring is expected to favour their car at the expense of the longer-wheelbase Mercedes.

But title leader Sebastian Vettel, one point clear of Hamilton at the halfway stage of the season, has scoffed at suggestions victory on Sunday is essential for his prospects of landing a fifth world championship.

Also See:

"I'm not stressing too much," he said. "On paper, it should be a good race for us. I like the track, we know we have to do. The fact that it's the last race before the summer break doesn't change anything.

"I'm feeling positive. We know the car is strong. We know we can fight for the victory."

But Ferrari were soundly beaten two weeks ago at the British Grand Prix when clear daylight in performance appeared between the Scuderia and new championship leaders Mercedes for the first time in 2017.

"Rest assured, we weren't happy with Silverstone but we have some bits here that should help us," said Vettel.

Image: Sebastian Vettel is feeling positive ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

In a must-read column for Sky Sports, Sky F1 analyst Mark Hughes argued that three technical rulings from the FIA - 'one hurting Mercedes, two directed at Ferrari' - had already proved critical in shaping the various ebbs and flows in this year's title race.

"It is actually a compliment," responded Vettel to Sky F1. "If you have a car and innovative car, people tend to be upset about it and give you a hard time. So that's a positive and overall this year has been really positive for Ferrari."

Mercedes' W08 car has been closely scrutinised for a different reason this season after team boss Toto Wolff described it as a "diva" due to its inconsistent behaviour.

But while recent results would suggest the team have learnt how to tame their latest beast, Valtteri Bottas - third in the drivers' standings behind Vettel and Hamilton - says Hungary will be an acid test for the relationship.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Speaking on the F1 Report, former F1 driver Max Chilton thinks fellow Brit Lewis Hamilton is a legend of the sport following his fifth British GP win.

"It's behaving more often now but still not quite as well as we hoped for," said the Finn.

"This is a very different track to a couple of the last ones. The last time we were running maximum downforce was in Monaco and we know we struggled there, so this will be a good test for us. If we can get the car set-up well here, and if we can be quick here, then things will be looking good for the rest of the year."

If you are using skysports.com you can comment below to get involved in the debate, but please adhere to our House Rules. If you wish to report any comment, simply click on the down arrow next to the offending comment and click 'Report'.

Around Sky