Lewis Hamilton: 'I will win again'

Lewis Hamilton has spoken out about his unwavering commitment to Mercedes, declaring that he still maintains "100% belief" in the team despite their struggles in the opening race of the 2023 Formula 1 season.

The seven-time world champion finished fourth at the Bahrain Grand Prix, behind Red Bull, Ferrari, and Aston Martin.

Speaking to the BBC's Chequered Flag podcast after the race, Hamilton revealed his frustration with Mercedes' decision to retain their unique 'zero sidepod' design on their 2023 car.

"I mean, in hindsight, I think looking back, it wasn't necessarily the best choice of words," Hamilton said, reflecting on his comments about the team not listening to him regarding the development of their car.

"But, of course, there are times when you're not in agreement with certain team members. What's important is that we continue to communicate, we continue to pull together."

"I still have 100% belief in this team, it is my family, and I've been here a long time, so I don't plan on going anywhere else."

Hamilton, whose current contract with Mercedes expires at the end of the season, went on to stress that the team needs to make bold decisions and big moves in order to close the gap to their rivals and prevent them from running away with the championship.

"The proof is in the pudding, we've seen where the performance is and how people are extracting the performance. We've got to now start making some bold decisions, some big moves, in order to close the gap to these guys," he said.

I will win again

Despite Red Bull's dominant one-two result in Bahrain, Hamilton remains hopeful that Mercedes can close the gap at some point during the season.

"I will win again. It’s just going to take some time. Of course, in 2021 when we were here, we were hoping to be fighting for another world championship," Hamilton commented.

"You never know what’s up ahead. There will be things that happen in all of our lives that we least expect, but it’s not how you fall, it’s how you get up, it’s how you deal with it, it’s how you show up."

"It’s how you continue to remain positive and tackle the issues you are faced with – that’s where my energy is going into and that’s what every single person in the team is focused on."