Hamilton: 'We are not far away now'

Lewis Hamilton finished third in England after a very strong home weekend. At times during the race, the Mercedes driver was able to gain on the leading Ferrari's. The Briton believes his team is not yet in contention for victories, but they are not far from that goal.

Hamilton looked strong all weekend at Silverstone and was able to continue his good form on Sunday of the British Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion scored his third podium of the season after a tremendous battle with the likes of Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez in the closing stages of the race. His car was more competitive than ever this year, as the British driver set the fastest lap.

The car was competitive and the porpoising seemed considerably less. After the race, Hamilton spoke to the media at the FIA press moment. Hamilton: "I think it's very encouraging that we were in the fight. I was on the same pace as Ferrari for a long time and was even faster at times. With the upgrade the race pace has definitely improved." That race pace was already not the worst point of the Mercedes, but the W13 was very limited by the porpoising.

With the bumps seemingly less and the race pace stronger, Hamilton believes his team is likely to make the step up to the top step of the podium this year: "It has helped us get closer. We are not in a position to win yet, but we are not far away."