Hamilton: "Anything in the wind tunnel, we need it tomorrow"

As pre-season indicated, Mercedes will not be fighting for race wins at least in the early part of the 2023 Formula 1 season. Though Lewis Hamilton reveals he is "geniuenly happy" with the race and he enjoyed a battle with former rival Fernando Alonso. 

In recent years, we've been enjoying the inter-generational battle between Max Verstappen and Hamilton. But during the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix, F1 added another chapter to the Alonso/Hamilton rivarly. It could perhaps be a foreshadow for the rest of the season as Hamilton seems confident they will improve. 

"I am geniuenly happy with the race. It was much better than qualifying. Happy with my performance, the team did a great job in the pitstops. Unfortuantely, the car is just not there at the moment and we're lacking downforce. We have to add that ASAP. Anything that is in the wind tunnel, we need it tomorrow. The Red Bull pace today was huge. Those around us, we can catch at some stage," Hamilton told Sky Sports. 

Enjoying it

Hamilton might not be taking win after win anymore, but the Brit is still enjoying his career as a racing driver. The 38-year-old is pleased to be able to engage in a tussell. 

"I really did enjoy it. As a driver, you are always hoping you're going forwards but at least getting into a tussell. Today was an enjoyable battle. I was close with the Ferrari at one stage, not much more we could've done. Maybe set the car up differently but overall lacking performance," he said.