Lewis Hamilton despairs over Mercedes woes after Japanese GP with message to Toto Wolff
Lewis Hamilton salvaged a P5 finish at the Japanese Grand Prix but was left unhappy after the chequered flag.
Lewis Hamilton has signalled to team principal Toto Wolff that Mercedes will need the 'greatest six months of development in their history' to fight Red Bull in 2024.
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The British driver jumped Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez to finish in fifth place from a starting grid position of seventh at the Japanese Grand Prix, but Hamilton wasn't happy with the performance of the W14.
When the chequered flag waved at Suzuka, Hamilton crossed the line almost 50 seconds back from Max Verstappen, highlighting the work that Mercedes still have to do over the winter if they're to close up to Red Bull.
The seven-time world champion has now sent a message to Toto Wolff, who missed this weekend to undergo knee surgery, and the rest of the team at the factory back in Brackley.
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Speaking to Sky Sports F1 about the development race, Hamilton said: "There are things that I've asked for that we've gone in part of the direction for next year.
"I think all the points that George and I give have been fully listened to. I have no idea where the car is going to be next year but we are a long, long way away.
"The next six months have got to be the best six months of development we've ever had to close that gap. To be really banging on the door."
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The 38-year-old Briton was the faster of the two Mercedes drivers throughout the race, leading to some hairy moments between himself and team-mate George Russell, including an incident where both drivers ran wide at Spoon corner.
Addressing the difficulty of his race, Hamilton continued: "I'm exhausted, for one. Fighting with absolutely everything I have to get as high up as possible and get ahead of Ferrari, which had an upgrade this week so they were particularly quick.
"They have been quicker the last three races. It was a hell of a fight. I scored the most points for the team, I'm really trying to hold on [to second] for the constructors' title because I really know how important it is for everyone back at the factories."
