The Styrian Grand Prix was another outing that saw the Mercedes struggle against the championship-leading Red Bull of Max Verstappen.
The young Dutchman now sits 18 points ahead of Hamilton in the Driver’s Standings as they head into Round 9 at the same venue this weekend – while Red Bull is now 40 points ahead in the Constructor’s Standings.
Chatting to reporters after the race, Lewis said Red Bull “was way too fast today for us”, but that the team “knew that we were going to be somewhat behind.
“I think, in single-lap pace and then, as I said, there was around a quarter of a second difference lap pace on the long runs” he continued.
“We gave everything we could today but they’ve obviously made some really good steps forward over these last few races, straight-line speed has picked up a lot.
“We don’t know whether that’s the wing, as Max was saying, or whether it’s the engine but either way they were too fast today and Max did a great job!”
Speaking about their potential to make improvements ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, Hamilton said realistically they can’t do much over four days but they’re certainly going to try.
“The cars on the limit, you know, so just flat out the whole way really, he said
“Of course, then if you apply some management then you’re even further off.
“I think Max was able to manage ahead and still be pulling away. Really strong pace from them today.
“There’s not really a lot we can probably do over the next four days but we’ll work as hard as we can so see if we can squeeze any more juice out of this car.”
The seven-time World Champion said “straight-line speed” is the main thing they need to look at ahead of Round 9.
“Whether that’s power or wing, it feels draggy but it also feels not that strong on the straights. It could be one or the other or both together”.
Racing resumes in just four days’ time at the Red Bull Ring for the Austrian GP.
