Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen looked set to dominate the Miami Grand Prix weekend, with strong results in both single-lap performances and longer races. Ferrari once again appeared to be their closest rivals, with Mercedes not far behind in Florida. It looked likely that the Italian team would fall into their usual trap: qualifying with a fast car but not a strong car. The track in Miami also highlighted Mercedes’ prowess.
Qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix is not what Toto Wolff wants to be remembered for, but Sunday’s race is. Mercedes took the podium with two W14s, so the team boss was obviously very happy.
Max Verstappen won the Spanish Grand Prix by force. Despite being well ahead of second-placed Lewis Hamilton, the Dutchman struggled to keep his car between the lines. As a result, the Red Bull driver received three track limit warnings.
Hamilton’s current deal with Mercedes expires at the end of the season, fueling traditional speculation that the 38-year-old is rejoining the team that helped him win six of his seven world titles , will still withdraw from the series.
It even sparked wild speculation about a possible move to Ferrari, which was quickly refuted by all parties.
Both Hamilton and Wolff have often said they could hammer out a new deal without too much difficulty, and after Sunday’s Spanish GP, Hamilton gave his firmest hint yet that a renewal was imminent.
Asked in his post-race press conference if a new deal was in the works, Hamilton laughed and said: “Well, I haven’t signed anything yet, but I think we’ll meet Toto tomorrow. So hopefully, We can accomplish some things.”
Hamilton’s words were echoed by Wolff when he was asked by Sky Sports F1 when Hamilton’s new deal would be reached.
“I think we just need to find time to sit down and have a cup of coffee. It will take half an hour,” he said.
Hamilton believes his Mercedes contract situation has had no impact on his performances, but admits it will be easier for him and the team to focus on challenging Red Bull in 2024 once the deal is over.
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-AMG, second, interview with Nico Rosberg after race