Hamilton aware he may not win with Mercedes in 2013
The Briton, who will drive for Mercedes for the next three seasons, reflected on the motivations behind his decision to join the German team. So, while he is aware that his chances of victory might be nonexistent in 2013, he admits to being motivated by the challenge of making the star-branded team triumphant within three years.
Upon arriving in Suzuka, Lewis Hamilton was determined not to talk about his future with Mercedes to better focus on the present and his last races for McLaren, with whom he will try to win a second world crown: « I’m not really here to talk about that this weekend. I’m here to try to win the world championship, » he stated on Thursday during the FIA press conference.
The 2008 world champion, however, agreed to discuss on BBC Radio 5 live the reasons that led him to leave McLaren for Mercedes, a team that has so far struggled to meet its ambitions: « Many people have opinions on what is right or wrong, but ultimately I had to do what I felt was right for me. Throughout my life, I’ve always been the type to take risks, someone who doesn’t take the easiest path: I’ve never sought ease. I’m leaving a top team, I could have stayed, it would have been very, very easy to stay. They asked me several times to stay during the year. »
The Briton also insists that it was not the money that motivated his decision, but indeed the challenge that Mercedes represents: « The contracts were very similar, it’s more about the challenge for the future. I have an even steeper mountain to climb, with new people, and it’s thrilling. »
Thus, by going to Mercedes, the Stevenage native is aware that he is taking the risk of not being able to fight for the title in 2013, while the regulations will only change marginally before the major technical upheaval planned for 2014: « I really go there with a very open mind and really aware that the car I am leaving might be the best. It will probably be the best. I know very well that next year could be a difficult year where we might not win at all, but hopefully I can change things. »
For Hamilton, the goal remains to win with Mercedes: “I want to help them get to the top and start winning. It will be the coolest and most satisfying feeling if we succeed. And if we don’t, I’ll only be 31 at the end of my contract,” he confides to BBC Sport.
Until then, Lewis Hamilton intends to enjoy his last moments with McLaren: “I have nothing but love for this team. I grew up here, I had a wonderful experience, and now it’s simply about taking that extra step which, I suppose, will be the final step towards independence. I’ve left the family home and now I’m leaving my lifelong team to experience something new.”
