Juan Pablo Montoya predicts that a different version of Lewis Hamilton will emerge in 2023 if Mercedes manages to improve its car, the W14. Hamilton went through an unprecedented winless season in 2022 due to the difficult pace of the Mercedes W13 and problems with the porpoise.
According to Montoya, Hamilton’s confident approach to driving kept him from pushing too hard last season, but he predicts Hamilton will return to winning form in 2023 if the car performs well.
Speaking to Motorsports.com, the Colombian addressed Hamilton’s potential with a fast car. When asked if Hamilton could win in 2023, he said:
“Yes, because last year was also due in large part to the problems Mercedes had with the car. And Lewis is a driver who, if there is an opportunity to shine, will grab it with both hands.”
“But when he finds himself fifth and knows there’s no more to it than that, you’re not going to see him drive like his life depends on it. Then he’ll do whatever it takes to secure fifth place.”
Asked if he thinks Lewis Hamilton will beat Russell this season, Montoya replied that last year was largely due to problems with the Mercedes car, and that Hamilton will seize opportunities to shine.
Montoya also stated that Hamilton will drive conservatively when the car can’t perform better, while Russell will drive full throttle in every race.
“But on the other side of the garage, with George, you have a young driver who is going full throttle every race and wants to prove himself every time. Hopefully, though, if Mercedes has a winning car again, we’ll see.” a different Lewis”.
Despite taking nine podium finishes, Lewis Hamilton used the first half of the season to test experimental setups, while his teammate George Russell posted back-to-back top-five finishes. Over the course of the season, Russell overtook Hamilton to take his first Formula 1 pole position and victory.
Lewis Hamilton hoping to return to the top in 2023
Lewis Hamilton’s prospects in 2023 largely depend on the performance of the W14, which will be launched on February 15 ahead of pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Hamilton recently did a tire test for Pirelli with Russell at Paul Ricard and will do the same again at Jerez this week. Hamilton’s aim this season is to return to the top of the podium after his winless year, and if the car performs well few would doubt his ability to challenge for the championship.
Montoya predicts that a different, more competitive Hamilton will emerge in 2023 if Mercedes manages to improve its car’s performance.
Lewis Hamilton’s chances of beating Max Verstappen this season will depend on the performance of the W14, and given its form in the second half of 2022 and the potential progress made over the winter, Hamilton is expected to challenge for the championship if he has a competitive car. .